Mr Henry Okafor, Welfare Officer at the Awka Correctional Centre, Anambra, says the facility is focused on reformation rather than punishment, as it currently houses 597 inmates undergoing various educational and vocational programmes.
Okafor made this known during a Mother’s Day outreach by the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), Awka Diocese, held at the centre on Friday.
He said the inmate population had reduced from 720 following the last visit by the Chief Judge, adding that the centre operates like a school aimed at rehabilitating inmates for reintegration into society.
“This place is like a school, not just for punishment but for reformation.
“Many of the inmates had no prior offences and are here to be reformed,” he said.
According to him, the centre runs primary and secondary education, as well as Open University programmes, alongside vocational training in bakery, shoemaking and crafts.
Okafor added that individuals and groups, including Mr Peter Obi and the CWO, had been supporting inmates’ educational pursuits.
In his remarks, the Deputy Controller of Corrections, Mr Innocent Amaechi, commended the group for its consistent annual visits, describing the gesture as impactful.
“It is a yearly ritual the mothers observe, though this is my first time witnessing it live. ‘When I was in prison, you visited me’,” he said, quoting scripture.
Amaechi urged inmates to value and reconcile with their mothers, stressing the enduring role of maternal prayers in shaping lives.
“If your mother is still alive, thank God. If you are not in good terms, reconcile with her. A mother’s prayer can go a long way in life,” he said.
He encouraged inmates to embrace change and draw inspiration from biblical teachings such as the Wedding at Cana and the Prodigal Son.
Speaking in behalf of the inmates, Mr Chike Onwuzulike, appreciated the CWO for the visit.
Onwuzulike, who has been in custody since 2016, appealed for support in areas such as payment of NABTEB fees for about 50 inmates, repair of dilapidated cells, provision of ceiling fans and consideration for amnesty.
Earlier, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, represented by the CWO Diocesan Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Okafor, urged inmates to remain thankful and seek spiritual renewal.
He prayed for their strength and eventual freedom, encouraging them to glorify God in all circumstances.
The CWO Diocesan Director, Mrs Ngozi Muo, advised inmates to trust in divine providence and seek intercession through the Rosary for transformation and freedom.
The highlight of the visit was the donation of food items, including cooked rice, soup and semo, as well as other materials to the inmates.
