Controller Warns Against Stigmatisation of Ex-Inmates
The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Mustapha Illiyasu Atta has decried the high level of stigmatisation on discharged inmates by their loved ones.
Controller Atta made this outcry during the graduation and certification of fifteen(15) inmates of the Dukpa Model Farm Centre, Gwagwalada, Abuja. The graduating students excelled in academics and industry during the three months pilot training on computer appreciation, sewing and barbing conducted by Kingsqueen Foundation, Nigeria for inmates of custodial centres within the FCT command.
He added that stigmatising any inmate who has been certified by the correctional service to be of good conduct and industry is counter productive and could breed recidivism, also since the society has vested on the service and her officers with the powers to reform these inmates, hence the service should be given benefit that it can deliver on its mandate.
CoC Atta further disclosed that these inmates undergo high level reformation processes and they should be given equal opportunity for social engagements by their loved ones and the society in general in order for them not to go back to crime.
He added that the Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Ahmed Jaafaru has encouraged all Controllers of Corrections to operate an open door policy and to relentlessly engage all agencies in ensuring that one of the core mandates of the service which is the reformation of the inmates is achieved.
He thanked kingsqueen foundation, Nigeria for the initiative and encouraged other non governmental organisations and multinationals to extend their social responsibility to the inmates in order to build a sane and safe society.
Meanwhile, he chairperson of Nigerian Correctional Officers’ wives Association, FCT command, Mrs Awele Mustapha Attah has urged the Female inmates of Suleja main Custodial centre to shun all forms of vices and use their time in the custodial centre to imbibe Godly motherly habits.
Mrs Attah who represented the National President of the association, Hajia Gwamma Ahmed Jaafaru, gave this advice during the 2019 Christmas visit to the custodial centres within the command and distributed drugs, food items and other female sanitary items.
She encouraged the inmates to see their being in custody as a period to commune with God and chart a new course devoid of social vices.
The chairperson further urged them to use this opportunity to learn vocations which are being taught in the custodial centre like bead making, hairdressing, tying of Gele and sewing. She adds that this will enhance their financial independence upon discharge.
Chukwuedo, Humphrey
Public Relations Officer
Nigerian Correctional Service
FCT Command
[email protected]
