By Oseremen Ihimekpen
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has intensified efforts to reduce recidivism by empowering three former inmates with vocational starter packs and financial support, as part of a broader strategy to ensure their successful reintegration into society.
The initiative, carried out by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command in partnership with the Luchi Advocate Foundation, aligns with the reform agenda of the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, aimed at strengthening offender rehabilitation, enhancing public safety and expanding partnerships for sustainable reintegration.
The beneficiaries received starter packs corresponding to the vocational skills they acquired while serving their sentences. The items included sewing machines, chemicals and equipment for producing liquid soap and cosmetics, as well as other trade tools designed to help them establish sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking during the presentation at the FCT Command Headquarters in Abuja, the Founder and Chairperson of the Luchi Advocate Foundation, Mrs. Oluchi Vivian Uche, said the organisation was committed to ensuring that rehabilitation continued beyond prison walls.
“We believe in protecting lives, restoring hope and reducing crime through empowerment. When these tools are put to good use, they will enable the beneficiaries to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.”
— Mrs. Oluchi Vivian Uche, Founder, Luchi Advocate Foundation
In a further boost to inmate rehabilitation, Uche announced that the Foundation would sponsor the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) fees for 500 inmates across custodial centres under the FCT Command.
She described education as a vital component of rehabilitation, noting that it provides inmates with greater opportunities for productive lives after their release.
The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, commended the Foundation for supporting the Nigerian Correctional Service’s rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
According to him, the organisation had previously donated food items and relief materials to inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Kuje and Suleja before extending its intervention to discharged inmates.
Jen said the empowerment programme reflected the vision of the Controller General of Corrections to transform correctional facilities into centres of reformation and skills acquisition rather than mere detention centres.
“This intervention aligns perfectly with the Controller General’s vision of creating opportunities for reformed inmates to become productive members of society. With the skills acquired in custody and the starter packs received today, we are confident they will become self-reliant and, ultimately, employers of labour.”
— Christopher Peter Jen, Controller of Corrections, FCT Command
He urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the support provided and become worthy ambassadors of the Service.
The Controller also appealed to corporate organisations, development partners, faith-based groups and other well-meaning Nigerians to support rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, stressing that successful reintegration remains critical to reducing crime and improving public safety.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Odiba Daniel thanked the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Luchi Advocate Foundation for giving them another opportunity to rebuild their lives.
“We pledge to make effective use of these starter packs to establish businesses and become responsible members of society.”
— Mr. Odiba Daniel, Beneficiary
The empowerment programme is part of the implementation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, which places greater emphasis on rehabilitation, vocational training and the reintegration of inmates as key measures to reduce repeat offending and promote safer communities.
