The Deputy Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Owerri, Udoka Prince Chinaka, has called for external support toward enhancing the general welfare of inmates in the facility.

He stressed the need for well-spirited individuals and organizations to continually partner with the government in efforts that would guarantee adequate welfare and a conducive environment for all inmates in the country.

DCC Udoka made the appeal over the weekend in his office when he received members of the Rotary Club of Owerri Newtown, led by its President, Rtn. Oscar Akano, who was at the centre to make humanitarian donations.

He expressed appreciation on behalf of the Owerri NCS to the Rotary Club members for their visit and donations and appealed to other organizations to emulate the humanitarian gesture.

Earlier in his speech, Rtn. Oscar Akano said the visit was carried out in line with the club’s peace-building and conflict prevention/resolution project, “a campaign that serves as one of the seven areas of focus of the Rotary International Club’s engagement in society.”

Also, the Project Chairman, Rtn. Arc Ikechukwu Ahamefule, and the District Membership Chairman of the Rotary Club (District 9142), Rtn. Mrs. Nneka Enwenike, added that the visit was designed to show solidarity with the inmates as well as to strengthen the club’s advocacy for a peaceful society where efforts are made to prevent conflicts while ensuring amicable resolutions.

They emphasized the importance of peace and conflict prevention/resolution in society and called on the inmates to look beyond their present situation and continually strive to become good citizens and agents of positive change in society.

In the same vein, delivering a spiritual talk to the inmates titled “God Loves You,” Rev. Fr. Christian Uchegbu described the visit by the Rotary Club of Owerri Newtown as unique and symbolic in demonstrating shared humanity between those in the correctional facility and outsiders.

He added that the visit also exemplified the love God has for them by inspiring the visitors to bring them succor and urged the inmates to embrace their current situation as an opportunity for restitution, reflection, and genuine transformation.

The priest further enjoined those who had committed crimes that brought them to the facility to embrace genuine repentance and reconciliation with God.

He also used the opportunity to encourage those who are innocent to be patient, assuring them that justice would surely come their way. This was as he prayed for all the inmates.

Photo caption:
Members of the Rotary Club of Owerri in a group photograph with Rev. Fr. Christian Uchegbu and officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Owerri Command, when members of the club visited inmates of the facility over the weekend.