By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THE Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in conjunction with the Peace and Development Projects, Velma Foundation, Benioni Akpa Development Foundation, and Lov Network Foundation, have presented materials for comfort to the inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Presenting the materials to the Deputy Controller of Correctional Centre in charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre, Benin, DCC Idowu Enodiakemhen, the representative of the NGO, Comrade Mathias Ovie, said, that the essence of the gesture was to help decongest the Correction Centre.

He said the programme cuts across the Niger Delta region and among items donated were mattresses, mats, medications, solar light to light up the premises, repair of the borehole in the facility among others.

Mr. Ovie said the NDDC would in future implement a series of prison decongestion and welfare programmes that are set to impact thousands of lives in the region adding that the initiative is designed to address overcrowding in correctional centres and that they would also secure the release of indigent inmates convicted of minor offenses through the payment of fines.

He said “The project will focus on individuals who are eligible for release based on the nature of their convictions and their inability to pay court-imposed fines. By intervening in this way, the NDDC aims to ease the burden on correctional facilities while providing an opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration into society for deserving inmates.

“The NDDC’s intervention reflects its ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of the Niger Delta, not only through infrastructure development but also through human-centered initiatives.

“This project is a testament to NDDC continued efforts in promoting peace, justice, and the well-being of the people in the Niger Delta. We believe that by addressing the issue of overcrowding in our correctional centers and improving the conditions of the inmates, NDDC is contributing to the overall development of the region and ensuring that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu administration is reaching the indigent members of the Region”

He also said that the operational vehicles of the correctional facilities will receive a boost through the provision of new tyres, ensuring the effective functioning of these facilities.

He argued that the NDDC’s intervention reflected its ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of the Niger Delta and not only through infrastructure development but also through human-centered initiatives.

Responding, Enodiakemhen, thanked the donors and said that the items would be judiciously put to use for the inmates.