The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has vowed commitment to adopting initiatives aimed at modernizing its approach to corrections and rehabilitation in its facilities.
The Controller of Corrections Anambra State Command, Ike Anslem, stated this in Awka, Anambra State, at a two-day training for selected officers of the state Command.
The training commenced on Thursday, and is ending on Friday.
The training with the theme, “Strengthening the capacity of Correctional Officers on Advancing the Implementation of Non-Custodial Measures,” was organized in collaboration with Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA).
The Anambra Controller of Corrections, Ike said the training was targeted at equipping Correctional Officers with knowledge and skills to effectively implement non-custodial measures while following the existing legal and procedural frameworks.
He explained that the training was also to enhance understanding of best practices and international standards in non-custodial services, and foster a culture of rehabilitation and restorative justice within our institution.
He said, “This supports the Nigerian Correctional Service’s mandate to promote rehabilitation and reintegration, aligns with global trends in corrections emphasizing rehabilitation over punitive measures.
“It also supports the NCoS mandate to enhance the capacity of officers to manage offenders in more humane and effective manner.”
Appreciating the organizers, facilitators, and participants for their dedication to the exercise, the Controller solicited active participation from officers, open sharing of experiences and challenges, and application of knowledge gained to improve service delivery.
Declaring the workshop open, Controller General, NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche said the training was targeted at further equipping the officers in the Non-custodial unit to ensure NCoS Act was perfectly projected and appreciated by the public.
Nwakuche, represented by Controller of Corrections, Dandang Ponyak commended the Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) for its commitment to steady capacity building of Correctional Officers.
He said, “Recall that Buhari’s administration signed into law the Nigerian Correctional Service Act which introduced the aspect Non-custodial services.
“Since the promulgation of that law, PRAWA has been in the forefront to ensure implementation of the law through steady capacity building.
“We appreciate the team for taking this responsibility with every sense of seriousness.
“Although the NCM has not taken off fully in the state, yet the officers are privileged to receive training. Hence, the Headquarters has greater expectations from Anambra.
“This is why you must accord this workshop every participation and attention it deserves to ensure the resources invested is not wasted.
“If the Nigerian Correctional Service Act is going to be perfectly projected and appreciated by the public, it’s the Non-custodial unit that will do that.”
