The spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Darlington Nwauju, has praised the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for spearheading what he described as “the biggest, brightest and boldest set of reforms” in the history of the ministry, aimed at transforming correctional services across Nigeria.

Nwauju, on Monday, noted that under Tunji-Ojo’s watch, significant strides have been recorded in the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), including the recent successful major surgery on an inmate at the Kuje Correctional Facility, the first of its kind in the country.

He recalled that before Tunji-Ojo assumed office, medical facilities in many of the 254 correctional centres were either decrepit or non-existent. “Within two years, the story has changed, with renewed attention on inmates’ welfare and medical care,” he said.

According to him, there has been a deliberate policy shift towards humane treatment of inmates in line with the Mandela Rules, the 2015 United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.

He also highlighted the growing emphasis on education and skills development behind bars.

In the last year alone, 27 inmates have graduated from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), with over 150 others currently enrolled.

Many more are acquiring vocational skills such as tailoring, shoemaking and soap production to aid their reintegration into society after their sentences.

Nwauju said the Interior Ministry’s human-centred approach is ensuring that inmates leave correctional facilities rehabilitated and intellectually equipped to contribute to nation-building.
“My view is that under Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s leadership, the Ministry of Interior is rehashing, rejuvenating, reinvigorating and reigniting hope in the Nigerian dream, a dream defined by resilience, foresight and leadership within the sub-region and the black race,” he added.