This is indeed good news for inmates in Nigerian correctional facilities across the country as the Nigerian Bar Association has made a pledge to collaborate with the Nigerian Correctional Service(NCS) to identify and provide legal representation to inmates without access to counsel.
The NBA President, Mr Afam Osigwe (SAN), who delivered the good news on Friday after visiting the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja, also stated that the NBA would make grants available to persons freed from correctional centres to encourage social integration and self-empowerment.
“I have decided to make a proposal during our National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Benin next week for the NBA to donate a lump sum into a fund.
“The NBA will be giving a certain amount as a grant, free of charge, to persons who are being released from prison to help them start life afresh or establish a business.
“One of the problems people face when they leave correctional centres is that they are re-entering society without preparation or financial means.
“As soon as we get that approval, we will put the fund in place,” he assured.
According to Osigwe, the association would also make a direct donation to the Nigerian Correctional Service to support the skill acquisition and educational programmes ongoing in correctional centres.
“I have seen the skill acquisition and educational programmes going on here. The NBA will also be contributing funds to help procure materials.
“I am impressed. This visit has changed my perception and understanding of how correctional centres work – the neatness of the environment and the humane conditions under which people are kept amazed me, and I am glad I came,” he said, just as he also explained that the humanitarian initiative was born out of the need to ensure that ex-convicts live reformed lives, knowing that society cares about their reintegration.
“All of us have a duty to ensure that when they return to society, they are reintegrated and can find something meaningful to do, so that whatever brought them here will not bring them back after their release,” he said, noting that the level of reception ex-convicts receive from society could help reduce recidivism.
“It is our duty not to remind them of their past or discriminate against them in job opportunities, or even denies them the chance to live a normal life when they return to society.
“People say that the man who made the pencil also made the eraser. People may make mistakes in life, but they should be able to move on without being held back by their past,” he said,
just he also urged inmates to find peace in their hearts when they return to society by living exemplary lives.
“Whatever knowledge, experience, and lessons you have learnt during your time here should be put to good use. Do not return to society with bitterness or anger.
“If you indeed did what brought you here, make a commitment to say: the life I lived before, I will never live again; I will turn a new leaf and become a better instrument for change in society,” NBA president advised.
