Sixty-four convicts on death-row and other inmates of the Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service have been told ‘‘You are not forgotten.’’
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Obareki gave the assurance when she visited the Uyo Maximum Correctional Facility Friday, February 7, 2025, to donate cash, food, toiletries and other supplies to them in commemoration of the first anniversary of Golden Initiative For All, GIFA.
Accompanied on the visit by some female stakeholders, aides to the Governor and Staffers of the Office of the First Lady, Obareki further charged them not to give up on life, as living behind bars does not in any way suggest they cannot be productive citizens again.
According to her, she was happy to meet with the inmates and share a token with them, expressing her optimism that they would turn a new leaf once reformed and reintegrated into the society.
“We are here today to identify with you all in commemoration of the first anniversary of GIFA coming up on 20th of February, 2025. I’m also here to let you know that you’re not forgotten. Though you’re confined to this environment, you can still be productive citizens again,” Lady Obareki remarked.
While pledging a sustained working relationship with the management of the facility, she assured that she would relay their requests to the Governor in order to ensure that their needs are attended to.
“I’ve heard all you have said and I can assure you that I will deliver your message to the Governor. As you have attested already, the Governor is a listening and caring father to all. I have no doubt that he would look into your requests,” she assured.
Earlier, Assistant Comptroller of Corrections, Ezekiel Inyang, had thanked the Coordinator for the visit and gifts, noting that the visit signals the beginning of a rewarding relationship between the correctional centre and the office of the First Lady.
He regretted that the correctional facility which houses 1,981 inmates comprising 96 female, 64 convicts on death-row, 782 awaiting trials and 270 convicts, lacked clean water, utility vehicles and power supply, appealing to the GIVA Coordinator to intervene in those areas.
The Comptroller of Corrections, Medium Security Custodial Centre, Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Frank Okonkwo said the visit by Lady Obareki in person marks a significant threshold in the history of the custodial centre.
Okonkwo noted that her generosity is indeed a reflection of her father, Governor Umo Eno’s unwavering impactful leadership in touching the lives of people across the state, while he prayed God to sustain GIFA beyond the expiration of their tenure.
