Awka, Nigeria – Mr Benson Iwuagu, Executive Director, Prison Fellowship Nigeria (PFN), says that effective reformation and rehabilitation of inmates will help them reintegrate into the society and discourage further criminal behaviour.
Iwuagu who made the assertion on Thursday at the inauguration of the Anambra chapter of PFN in Awka, said that such reformation would benefit the society as it would reduce crime rate.
He lamented that inmates in correctional facilities, after serving their prison terms, sometimes turn out worse due to lack of character reformation, occasioned by challenges in the facilities.
According to him, PFN as a faith-based organisation, reforms criminals in correctional facilities through the teaching of God’s words to bring about behavioral change.
“PFN also prioritises reformation of offenders by providing education and vocational training, mental health and substance abuse treatment, as well as life skills training programmes.
“These programmes not only improve inmates’ chances of successful reintegration but also benefit society as a whole by reducing crime rates and associated costs.
“Reforming the prisoners helps them to be better than what they were before they were imprisoned,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Joseph Usifo, Controller, Anambra State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, said that reformation of inmates required physical and spiritual programmes.
He commended PFN for partnering with the correctional service on the spiritual needs of inmates to drive positive change.
Mr Peter Okoye, the new state Chairman of the PFN, Anambra, promised to carry out their mandate for the benefit of the inmates and the society.
“We are ready to make a difference in the lives of the inmates through God’s teaching and empowerment,” he said.
