NCoS, Prison Fellowship graduate 90 inmates from restorative justice programme in Kano

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kano State Command, in collaboration with the Prison Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has graduated 90 inmates from a restorative justice programme.

The programme, known as The Prisoner’s Journey/Sycamore Tree Project (TPJ/STP), was conducted at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kurmawa, Goron Dutse Custodial Centre and Janguza Custodial Centre.

It was designed to equip inmates with knowledge of restorative justice, personal responsibility, forgiveness, reconciliation and the impact of crime on victims, families and communities.

Certificates were presented to the graduating inmates at the end of the programme in recognition of their successful completion of the training.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Chairman of PFN, Kano State Chapter, Pastor Anthony Igweka, urged the inmates to use their period of incarceration as an opportunity for personal transformation and positive change.

Igweka stressed the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, urging the inmates to take meaningful steps toward repairing the harm caused by their actions and to become responsible citizens upon their release.

Also speaking, the Controller of Corrections, Kano State Command, Ahmed Yusuf Lakpene, fsi, represented by the Officer-in-Charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kurmawa, DCC Ibrahim Isah Rambo, appreciated PFN for its continued partnership and support toward the rehabilitation and reformation of inmates.

He said the programme was consistent with the objectives of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, particularly in promoting the reformation, rehabilitation, education and moral development of inmates.

The Command also commended PFN for complementing its efforts through programmes aimed at preparing inmates for responsible living and successful reintegration into society.

As part of its humanitarian support, PFN provided food and drinks for the inmates during the programme and facilitated the release of five inmates under the restorative justice initiative.

The facilitators included PFN State Coordinators, Pastor Mrs. Roseline Amaefula for the Sycamore Tree Project and Pastor Austin Ojehanon for The Prisoner’s Journey.

The Command congratulated the 90 graduating inmates and urged them to remain committed to responsibility, forgiveness, reconciliation, discipline and positive citizenship.