The Controller of Corrections, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Edo Command, Mr Sunday Oyakhire, has charged men and officers of the command to uphold professionalism in the management of inmates in 2025.
The Public Relations Officer of the command, SC Aminu Suleman, said this in a statement on Monday in Benin.
Suleman said that the controller gave the charge during his familiarisation tour of the command’s facilities.
Oyakhire stressed the need for enhanced safe custody, reformation, and rehabilitation of inmates.
He reminded officers of the command that no other agency, was tasked with the responsibility of rehabilitating criminal offenders, except the NCoS.
According to him, the Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, expects all personnel to demonstrate professionalism and commitment in their duties to surpass the service’s achievements in 2024.
“While hard work will be duly rewarded, any form of misconduct will be addressed swiftly.”
Addressing the inmates, Oyakhire assured them of the NCoS commitment to their well-being, while advising them to maintain discipline and cooperation.
He noted that the health of the inmates, legal rights, and rehabilitation remained a priority.
Similarly, in furtherance of stakeholders’ collaboration, the controller visited the Chairmen of Esan South East Local Government Council in Ubiaja as well as his counterpart in Etsako West Local Government in Auchi.
He solicited their support for custodial centres in their jurisdictions, and highlighted the critical role of local governments in supporting correctional services
“As the closest level of government to the people, you are key stakeholders in ensuring humane custody, security, reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates for the benefit of society,” he said.
In their respective responses, both council chairmen through their representatives pledged the support of their councils.
They promised to enhance vocational training and rehabilitation programmes for inmates.
They also assured the controller of regular visits to custodial centres to further strengthen collaboration. (NAN)
