The Ministry of Interior is working on modalities to improve the welfare of staff and inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service and address other challenges facing the Service and other allied paramilitary agencies, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has said.
Addressing the 29th ASC Basic Course International passing out parade of 213 cadets drawn from across the country including five cadets from The Gambia at the Correctional Service Staff College in Kaduna on Friday, the Minister, who was represented by the Secretary, Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) and former Controller General of Corrections, Malam Ja’afaru Ahmed, said the Ministry is working on plan to decongest the various correctional centers across the country and would soon come out with its plans for the Correctional Service and other it’s agencies.
“The Ministry of Interior working in conjunction with the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) would continue to collaborate with
the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service and his team to
emplace adequate measures for the Nigerian Correctional Service to carry
out its statutory responsibilities. We are already working on the modalities
for addressing the challenges facing the Service including the general
welfare of Correctional Officers and the inmates.
“I want to use this forum to request all Correctional Officers to remain patriotic and diligent as they discharge their responsibilities. The Federal Government is actually counting on you as we work towards the amelioration of numerous security and socio-economic challenges facing our Fatherland. Indeed, the tasks ahead may be tough but they are not insurmountable. Always remember that the job of rebuilding Nigeria is
everybody’s task.
“This Basic Course has indeed produced the desired impact on the participants and I do hope that the knowledge acquired during this period would be deployed in the years ahead. I hope you know that this Basic Course is just the beginning of other numerous courses you would have to undergo in the course of your career.
I wish to therefore enjoin the College to continue to fulfil its mandate of training and re-training of Correctional Officers in line with international best practice especially in the light of the security challenges in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.”
Cadet Garba Dare Joseph from Kabba-Bunu in Kogi state emerged the overall best graduating student in drills and parade in the six months training and was awarded the Controller General Merit Award. Cadet Lamin Jabang emerged the best cadet from Gambia, while 13 other cadets went home with various awards in academic, selfless service, leadership, marksmanship and behaviour.
