Abuja: The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), FCT Command has teamed up with Hope Behind Bars Africa, a non-profit organization, to empower 16 ex-inmates. This collaboration aims to provide them with the necessary tools and resources to reintegrate into society successfully.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Duza Adamu, revealed in a statement that the beneficiaries were presented with starter packs after participating in the ‘Farming Justice Project’. These individuals, who were once housed in various custodial centres within the FCT, received the starter packs as part of ongoing efforts to support their post-release reintegration and reduce the likelihood of re-offending by equipping them with tools for immediate economic activity.
The FCT Command Controller of Corrections, Christopher Jen, emphasized that the partnership is in line with the service’s mandate of reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Jen encouraged the beneficiaries to utilize the provided items productively, stating, “Let your success be the strongest argument for more support to those coming behind you.” He further highlighted that the collaboration aims to bridge the gap between custody and community and expressed a commitment to expanding the programme to reach more individuals exiting custodial centres across the FCT.
Nurudeen Hassan, the Programme Manager of the foundation, noted that the ‘Farming Justice Project’ is built on the belief that freedom should come with opportunity. He remarked, “These starter packs are not just tools; they are a bridge from custody to community. We are committed to ensuring that ex-inmates have the capital, skills, and dignity to restart their lives.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the starter packs include various items such as seven fish tanks, 10 knapsack sprayers, 350 buckets, 30 units of various seeds, 1,050 fingerlings distributed at 150 per fish-farming beneficiary, shop rent payment for one beneficiary, one clipper, one fan, and ?50,000 cash support for each of the 16 beneficiaries.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria