Emma Elekwa
A non-governmental organisation, Unique Fellows All Nations Club, comprising academics, professionals and men of high standing in society has donated food items and cash support for welfare of inmates Awka Custodial Centre, Anambra state.
The group which made the donations during its visit to the facility, also promised to provide legal aid for some inmates awaiting trial but unable to afford legal services.
Led by its Mayor, Barr Gabriel Mmouneke, group donated three bags of 50kg rice, a full bag of beans, ten bags of Semovita, four packs of toilet tissue, and one bag of salt.
Speaking during the visit, Mmouneke described the philanthropy as a trademark of the group as well as core objective of their mandate to assist less privileged in society.
According to him, members gain no benefit from such gestures other than fulfilling a moral duty and godly instruction, just as he urged government to build more prisons to decongest existing ones.
He also called for the provision of constant water supply through solar or other alternatives to ensure sanity and clean environment at the custodial facility.
Welcoming the group, Deputy Controller of Corrections, Mr Innocent Amaechi appreciated the group for their gesture, urging it to continue supporting the inmates.
Amaechi, represented by the Head of Welfare Unit, Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr Henry Okafor, revealed that the facility currently hosts 594 inmates, noting that men rarely visit the custodial centre compared to women.
Deputy Mayor of the group, Chief Clem Onyekwelu, Publicity Secretary, Barr Ejike Okafor, a foundation member, Prof Chika Ile; and Mr Abuchi Nwozor, said the gesture was also targeted at giving the inmates sense of belonging.
