Chinedum Elekwachi
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, said his visit to the Anambra Correctional Centre was to encourage inmates to take advantage of opportunities to better themselves through education and the acquisition of relevant skills.
Obi who disclosed this after visiting the correctional facility in Amawbia urged them not to lose hope.
He encouraged them to view their current circumstances as opportunity for personal reform, renewal, and preparation to rejoin society as responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
Drawing from real-life examples, Obi emphasized that imprisonment does not mark the end of a purposeful life.
He said, “History shows that confinement does not always mark the end of a meaningful life.
The Mandela inspiration
“Nelson Mandela, jailed for 27 years, emerged to lead South Africa and inspire the world.
“Malcolm X transformed himself in prison into one of the most influential voices of the civil rights movement.
“Martha Stewart, after serving a prison sentence, rebuilt her brand and returned to the heights of global business.
“Frank Abagnale, once imprisoned for fraud, went on to work with the FBI and became a respected security consultant.
“These lives remind us that with reform, education, and opportunity, confinement can give way to contribution.”
Inmates in correctional centres in Anambra had earlier sent an emissary to Mr. Obi, appealing for assistance in paying NECO examination fees.
Obi gave an undertaking to NECO to allow the inmates to sit for the examinations, which he has now fully honoured.
He paid a total ₦4,741,400 covering NECO examination fees and logistics for all eligible candidates across the four correctional centres.
The Deputy Controller of Corrections, Innocent Amaechi, in charge of the Awka Custodial Centre, thanked Mr. Obi for the support.
He assured him that the Nigerian Correctional Service remains receptive to initiatives that enhance the welfare, education, and rehabilitation of inmates in line with the institution’s corrective mandate.
Obi was accompanied by Hon. Chinyere Stella Okunna, who described the gesture as a clear demonstration of his consistent belief in human dignity, second chances, and the transformative power of education.
