By Our Reporter
Securing The Creative Goldmine in Youths Initiative a Non-Government Organization in partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Service Edo State recently organized a variety of events towards reformation of characters of the inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Benin City.
The program which was tagged, “Yellow Riibbon Edutainment Therapy” was reassuring for the inmates at the Custodial Centre as they were exposed to various areas of general knowledge and creative entertaining art. It is a program also meant for the inmates to showcase their talents.
In his remarks, the Yellow Ribbon Edutainment Organizer, Mr. Edwin Asibor described the inmates as very important people in the society. He added that his organization decided to organize the educative/ entertainment program for the inmates to reassure them that this stage they are presently passing through in life will help them in future as they have a lot to learn while at the Custodial Centre.
Asibor also assured them that as they participate in the event and are willing to be reformed, that they will soon regain their freedom and be out of the centre to be useful to themselves and be better person in the society.
He said: “God created everyone with different talents. Our mission here is to make sure that whatever you learn here will become useful to you when you finally leave this place. We will also make sure that you people are not stigmatised when you begin to live a new life with other people in the society”.
In her remarks, the Controller of Corrections, Edo State Command, Emehinola Philomena Esq. who was represented by ACC Ogue Paul said she was very elated for the event, adding that she is fully in support of any program which is directly contributing to reformation of the inmates in custody. She thanked the Yellow Ribbon organizers and expressed the willingness for more of such partnership in the future. She also commended the inmates and Officers of the Custodial Centres for the good job in ensuring peace, calm and reformational activities.
“Let me thank Yellow Riibbon for this wonderful program. They are partnering with us to see that the Inmates become better citizens” .
She advised the inmates to see the period they are in the custodial center as a time for sober reflection and for reformation. She gave them assurances saying: “as for your welfare, whatever that will be good for you, we will not hesitate to carry it out”.
Fred Edenagbon of the department of Citizens Right, Edo State Ministry Justice who was also present at the event said their duty is to ensure that Justice is done when handling the cases of inmates at the court and ensure those who deserves freedom gets it.
Highlights of the event were educative lectures delivery, dance choreography, singing and joke making competitions among the inmates where winners were rewarded accordingly.
