From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at decongesting correctional facilities and improving the welfare of inmates in the Niger Delta region.

The decongestion and welfare exercise was in collaboration with Peace and Development Projects, Velma Foundation, Benioni Akpa Development Foundation and Lov Network Foundation.

Speaking during the handing over of the welfare materials in a brief ceremony at the Okaka Correctional Center in Yenagoa the state capital, Ovie Mathias who is the project manager and representative of Velma foundation in company of Bethel Aghogho representing peace and development foundation said, NDDC will implement a series of prison decongestion and welfare programs that are set to impact thousands of lives in the Niger Delta.

According to him, the initiative is designed to address overcrowding in correctional centers by securing the release of indigent inmates convicted of minor offenses through the payment of fines.

“The project will focus on individuals who are eligible for release based on the nature of their convictions and their inability to pay court-imposed fines. By intervening in this way, the NDDC aims to ease the burden on correctional facilities while providing an opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration into society for deserving inmates.

“As part of the program, the NDDC will also distribute essential welfare materials to correctional centers across the region, starting with the Yenagoa Correctional Center in Bayelsa State. These materials will include sleeping mattresses, mats, and essential medical drugs to improve the living conditions and well-being of inmates.

“Additionally, operational vehicles of the correctional facilities will receive a boost through the provision of new tyres, ensuring the effective functioning of these facilities.

“The NDDC’s intervention reflects its ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of the Niger Delta, not only through infrastructure development but also through human-centered initiatives.

“By partnering with respected organizations like Peace and Development Projects, Velma Foundation, Benioni Akpa Foundation, and Lov Foundation, the Commission is amplifying its efforts to deliver lasting, positive change to the region’s correctional institutions.

“This project is a testament to NDDC’s continued efforts in promoting peace, justice, and the well-being of the people in the Niger Delta,” said the representative of the NGOs, Comrade Mathias Ovie.

“We believe that by addressing the issue of overcrowding in our correctional centers and improving the conditions of the inmates, NDDC is contributing to the overall development of the region and ensuring that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu administration is reaching the indigent members of the Region”

Receiving the items from the NDDC representative, the officer in charge of Okaka Correctional Center, Ogundare Rashidi said they were very happy because the items will be very useful for their students (inmates). Saying the items will go a long way to help in the welfare of the inmates.

The Correctional Center official applauds the Commission for this initiative, which he believes will bring relief to thousands of inmates while also enhancing the capacity of correctional centers to provide better rehabilitation services.