Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, AkS, Lady Helen Obareki (Centre), flanked by Comptroller of the Centre, Frank Okonkwo (L) and the Assistant Comptroller of the Centre, Ezekiel Inyang during the presentation.
By Anietie Akpan
Inmates of the Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service have been charged not to give up on life, as living behind bars does not in any way suggest they cannot be productive citizens again.
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Obareki gave the charge when she visited the Uyo Maximum Correctional Facility Friday, February 7, to donate cash, food, toiletries and other supplies to them in commemoration of the first anniversary of Golden Initiative For All, (GIFA).
This was contained in a press release dated February 7, from the Media Unit, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom state.
Lady Obareki, who was accompanied on the visit by some Female Stakeholders, Aides to the Governor and Staff of the Office of the First Lady, said she was happy to meet with the inmates and share a token with them, expressing 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 am also here to let you know that you are not forgotten. Though you are confined to this environment, you can still be productive citizens again,” Lady Helen Obareki posited.
While promising 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 have 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.
In his welcome remarks, Assistant Comptroller of Corrections, Ezekiel Inyang, thanked the Coordinator for the visit and gifts, noting the visit signals the beginning of a rewarding relationship between the correctional centre and the office of the First Lady.
He however regretted that the correctional facility which houses 1,981 inmates comprising 96 female, 64 convicts on death-row, 782 awaiting trials and 270 convict, lacked clean water, utility vehicles and power supply, appealing to the First Lady Designate to intervene in those areas.
Also speaking, the Comptroller of Corrections, Medium Security Custodial Centre, Akwa Ibom State, Frank Okonkwo stated that the visit by Lady Helen Eno in person marks a significant threshold in the history of the custodial centre, noting 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.
The inmates showed their appreciation for Lady Helen Obareki’s visit by presenting song ministrations.
