JALINGO — The Strategic Intervention Initiative (SII), in partnership with NATU Table Water, has established a skill acquisition centre at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Jalingo, with the donation of 20 new sewing machines and cutting tables to support the vocational training of inmates.
The initiative is aimed at promoting rehabilitation, economic empowerment and the successful reintegration of inmates into society by equipping them with practical skills they can use to earn a living after their release.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Programmes of Strategic Intervention Initiative, Mrs. Chindima Okoye, said economic empowerment and rehabilitation remained key components of the organisation’s intervention programmes.
Mrs. Okoye said the organisation was committed to supporting inmates with skills that could give them a second chance in life.
She assured the inmates that they had not been forgotten, adding that the establishment of the centre would provide them with opportunities to acquire useful skills and prepare for life after incarceration.
She subsequently officially handed over 20 new sewing machines to the Taraba State Controller of Corrections for use at the tailoring workshop.
The representative of the Managing Director of NATU Table Water, Mr. Daniel Enenche Agbo, officially opened the skill acquisition centre.
Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director, Mr. Agbo said the gesture was part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) aimed at positively impacting its immediate environment and supporting people in need.
He explained that NATU Table Water considered the intervention an opportunity to contribute to the rehabilitation and empowerment of inmates through vocational training.
Mr. Agbo also commended the Taraba State Controller of Corrections, Francis John, for his commitment towards ensuring that inmates are productively engaged and trained in various skills.
He said such initiatives could help inmates acquire useful skills that would assist them in becoming self-reliant and productive members of society after their release.
Controller Commends Partners
The Taraba State Controller of Corrections, Francis John, psc, pcc, DFSWA, FCMN, described the occasion as a significant milestone in the rehabilitation and reformation of inmates.
Representing the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, psc, pcc, MFR, mni, the Controller expressed profound appreciation to the Strategic Intervention Initiative for the donation.
He said the donation of the sewing machines and cutting tables was not merely the provision of equipment but an investment in hope, skills and a second chance for inmates.
According to him, the vocational workshop will provide inmates with practical and marketable skills in tailoring and fashion design, helping to keep them productively engaged while preparing them to become self-reliant and law-abiding citizens upon discharge.
He further noted that the initiative would contribute to human capital development and peace-building in Taraba State by equipping inmates with skills that could enable them to contribute to the economy and create employment opportunities.
The Controller acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Taraba State Chapter, faith-based organisations and other partners to the restructuring of the vocational workshop.
He gave special recognition to the Chief Executive Officer of NATU Table Water for what he described as immense contributions, personal sacrifice and dedication towards the revival of the vocational workshop.
He assured the donors that the equipment would be judiciously utilised and properly maintained, adding that training would commence immediately and the workshop would be put into full productive use.
Councillor Urges Inmates Not to Give Up
In his goodwill message, the Councillor representing Sarkin Dawaki Ward of Jalingo, Hon. Ismail Abdullahi, urged the inmates not to give up on themselves or their future.
He used the biblical and Quran story of Joseph, who experienced imprisonment before eventually rising to prominence, to encourage the inmates to remain hopeful and focused despite their present circumstances.
Hon. Abdullahi also expressed his readiness to champion efforts aimed at supporting prison decongestion and improving the welfare and rehabilitation of inmates.
The establishment of the skill acquisition centre is expected to provide inmates with opportunities to learn tailoring and fashion design, while strengthening ongoing efforts to promote reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration at the correctional centre.
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