By Watchmann

As part of its efforts to boost welfare of inmates, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in conjunction with the Peace and Development Projects, Velma Foundation, Benioni Akpa Development Foundation, and Lov Network Foundation, have presented medications and other relief materials for comfort to inmates of the Port Harcourt maximum correctional centre, Rivers State. 

Presenting the materials to the Deputy Controller of Correction (DCC) in charge of Port Harcourt maximum correctional centre, DC Olaniyi Otegbola, the representative of the NGO, Sir. Mathias Ovie, said, that the essence of the gesture replicated in other states of the Niger Delta, was to help decongest the Correction Centres.

He said the programme cuts across the nine states of the Niger Delta region; and among items donated were, mattresses, mats, medications, among others.

Sir Ovie said the NDDC would also implement a series of prison decongestion and more welfare programmes that are set to impact thousands of lives in the region, adding that the initiative is designed to address overcrowding in correctional centres; and that they would also secure the release of indigent inmates convicted of minor offenses through the payment of fines.

He said “The project will focus on individuals who are eligible for release based on the nature of their convictions and their inability to pay court-imposed fines. By intervening in this way, the NDDC aims to ease the burden on correctional facilities while providing an opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration into society for deserving inmates.

“The NDDC’s intervention reflects its ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of the Niger Delta, not only through infrastructure development but also through human-centered initiatives.

“This project is a testament to NDDC continued efforts in promoting peace, justice, and the well-being of the people in the Niger Delta. We believe that by addressing the issue of overcrowding in our correctional centers and improving the conditions of the inmates, NDDC is contributing to the overall development of the region and ensuring that the renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu administration is reaching the indigent members of the region”

He argued that the NDDC’s intervention reflected its ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of the Niger Delta and not only through infrastructural development but also through human-centered initiatives.

Responding, DC Olaniyi Otegbola thanked NDDC for its generosity in providing medications, mats, mattresses and other items to for the welfare of the inmates, saying that the items would be judiciously put to use for the inmates.