Nigerian Correctional Service
The Nigerian correctional service (NCoS) has appreciated professor monsignor obiara Ike, founder Catholic institute for development Justice and peace (CIDJAP) for his contributions to inmates reformation and uplift of custodial centers
It would be recalled, that Ike, who is also a professor of ethics and religion, celebrated his 70th birthday, 45years of priesthood and 40 years of founding CIDJAP, on April 7.
Speaking after a novelty match in honour of Ike at the maximum custodial center, Assistant controller general of corrections (ACG) Prisca Chioma Oku the zonal coordinator of NCoS Zone M, Enugu commended professor Ike for dedication to Reformation of inmates.
Oku noted that professor Ike through CIDJAP had been instrumental to most of the charity and humanitarian works done in the custodial centers in enugu state and beyond.
She said, on behalf of the controller general of corrections CGCS Sylvester Nwakwuche FMR, mni, we appreciate you for 40 years of impact to inmates in the state through personal and CIDJAP projects and interventions. You are indeed a pillar of support.
We, NCoS, are here to celebrate your uncommon and impactful life as well as touch on inmates reformation in our facility
The controller of corrections Enugu State command Mr Valins Obizue noted that professor Ike had become the voice of the voiceless and represented inmates interests in all levels of governance and engagement.
Your life, monsignor, is a great inspiration to all and your philanthropy to the downtrodden and those behind bars remains exemplary for over 40 years.
We know that the centers always have pressing needs, but we must pulse and thank you immensely for the dedicated years of service to humanity especially to the course and reformation of inmates. We are grateful, the Controller said.
The Deputy controller of corrections in- charge enugu custodial center Dr SA Igwe said that NCoS brought out the programs to appreciate and celebrate a priest and brother to inmates, who holds nothing back to show his love to inmates.
According to Igwe, the novelty football match won by Monsignor professor obiora Ike's team, the guided tour and inmates products exhibition are all meant for the inmates and NCoS to join in celebrating Ike's impact to the custodial community in Enugu state.
We appeal for assistance in different ways especially in reduction of number of inmates, vehicles to take them to court, vehicles for official duties, revitalization of machines and equipment in various workshops and a functional water tanker among others, he said.
An inmate, who spoke on condition of anonymity on behalf of others, said that CIDJAP had given virtually all inmate educational scholarship training and paid health expenses among other philanthropic gestures.
How ever, daddy, we are no longer asking for double ration of food, but double ration of freedom and release from here, so that we can be integrated into the society and use our discovered talent and higher educational attainment to assist the society better, he said.
Responding professor Ike said that he had taken copious notes of lacks in the custodial community during the guided tour listened to demands of inmates and noted an abnormal as well.
He said that CIDJAP will donate 10 sewing machines and bring technicians that would fix absolute machines in vocational workshops, adding, we will meet and pressurise the governor to donate vehicles for conveying inmates to court.
Since I am a member of the state committee on prerogative of Mercy, the governor will be granting amnesty to some inmates on May 29th which is democracy day October 1st Independence Day and on New Year Day.
Professor Ike assured on compassionate ground, he would take up the case of nursing mothers or pregnant women in custody.
We must stop the court and law enforcement agencies sending mentally challenged persons to custodial facilities, there are medicalally helpful places they should go to, he added.
