The Ebonyi Government has secured the release of 25 inmates as part of efforts to decongest the Nigerian Correctional Service in the state.
The Wife of the Governor, Mrs Uzoamaka Nwifuru, while speaking during the event in Abakaliki on Monday said that the move was also designed to promote justice delivery system.
Mrs Nwifuru noted that their release was in collaboration with her pet project, Better Health for Rural Women, Children, and Internally Displaced Persons (BERWO) and the state ministry of Justice.
She described the occasion as “deeply emotional and meaningful”, adding that no life is beyond redemption.
“This initiative was founded on a simple but powerful belief that justice must be tempered with mercy; and correction must lead to restoration.
“Behind the walls of correctional facilities are men and women who, despite their past mistakes, still carry dreams, skills, and the desire to live meaningful and productive lives.
“Today, 25 of such individuals are stepping out not just into freedom, but into hope, responsibility, and a new beginning, ” she said.
“I shall be consistently advocating for rehabilitation rather than rejection.
“True correction is not achieved when people are released without support, but when they are empowered with the tools to rebuild their lives,” Nwifuru said.
Mr Ben Odoh, Attorney-General of the state and Commissioner for Justice commended the wife of the governor for her magnanimity and urged the freed inmates to embrace new life.
Odoh noted that the custodian centre built for 387 inmates in the state was currently housing 1,018 persons.
The commissioner stated that the two prison centres in the state at Abakaliki and Afikpo had a total of 1, 205 inmates.
Mr Chika Igwugwu, Controller of the Correctional Centre, thanked the governor’s Wife and urged her to keep the flag flying.