The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Akwa Ibom State Command, has equipped five inmates with vocational starter packs to support their smooth reintegration into society and promote sustainable livelihoods after their release.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Richard Metong, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Uyo.
During the presentation ceremony at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Controller of the Command, Frank Okonkwo, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to rehabilitation as mandated by the NCoS Act, 2019.
Okonkwo described the empowerment initiative as a strategic step toward reducing repeat offenses and strengthening public safety.
“When inmates are trained and empowered, we are not just releasing individuals back into society; we are releasing skilled, productive citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to their communities. This is how we build a safer and better society,” he said.
According to him, the programme—carried out in partnership with key stakeholders—forms part of ongoing efforts to scale up vocational and skills-acquisition training across the command.
The beneficiaries, who underwent training in hairdressing, tailoring and barbing, were also presented with professional starter kits to enable them to begin their trades immediately.
Metong added that while two of the five inmates have already been released, the remaining three are expected to regain freedom between now and January 2026.
(NAN)
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