The importance of spiritual reformation of all mankind has been emphasized just as inmates of correctional centres across Nigeria were advised not to lose hope.
Pastor Odegbami Anthony Olushola, President of Safe Haven Empowerment Ministry, made this submission during the enrolment of eighteen inmates of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Ogun State Command into the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) on Thursday, October 20, 2023.
The President, represented by Pastor Kunle Tioluwanimi admonished the inmates to always believe in God that, He can still do as He did for Joseph in the Bible.
The inmates were admitted into various degree programmes at Abeokuta Study Centre of NOUN in Ibara, Abeokuta Ogun State.
In his remark, the Controller General of Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, charged the matriculated inmates to take the opportunity of the academic programme to equip themselves in their course of study.
He advised them to enlightened other inmates to embrace one form of training; either education or vocational, so that they would be better formed before leaving the centre and as well be useful to themselves and the society at large.
In the same vein, the Command Controller, Abdlrasheed Alimi, reiterated that the programme is in tandem with the trust policy of the Controller General, NCoS, Haliru Nababa, who had directed that inmates training must be prioritized.
Also, Mr. Ade Adegunwa, representing the Vice Chancellor of NOUN congratulated the new intakes as they start a new step in their lives.
He admonished them to be good ambassadors of the Nigerian Correctional Service and make a good use of the opportunity offered to them.
While welcoming the guest and students, DSC Abdulhakeem Awesu, Welfare Officer of Abeokuta Correctional Centre, appreciated NOUN for collaborating with NCoS in making sure inmates become useful to themselves and the society.
Awesu who added that 162 other inmates had graduated from College of Education also said: “In 2018, 44 inmates sat for NECO Examination and all of them came out in flying colours. Since then, inmates have been sitting for NECO Examination at this centre. This year, our target is that 120 inmates will sit for the examination.
By Ajibola Adedoye