Five female alumni of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Suleja, have appealed to Nigerians to support rehabilitated ex-inmates and give them opportunities to rebuild their lives.
The women, led by Hajiya Mariam O. Suleiman, paid an appreciation visit to the FCT Controller of Corrections, Christopher Peter Jen, in recognition of his support and care during and after their time in custody.
The former inmates recently received Trade Test Certificates from the Nigerian Correctional Service and are now engaged in producing shoes, bags and other leather products.
They called on individuals, organisations and businesses to patronise their products, provide employment opportunities and discourage discrimination against people who have served custodial sentences.
Receiving the delegation, Controller of Corrections Christopher Peter Jen commended the women for their transformation and urged them to remain good ambassadors of the Correctional Service.
Jen stressed that the mandate of the Nigerian Correctional Service goes beyond custody to include reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration, in line with the Correctional Service Act, 2019.
He described rehabilitated ex-offenders, particularly those equipped with vocational skills, as productive members of society who deserve acceptance and support.
The visit underscored the importance of aftercare and vocational training in helping former inmates become self-reliant and reintegrated into society.