Onilude Calls for Prison Reforms as Badagry Gets New Controller

By Dansu Peter  The Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Onilude Segun Adeniran, has called for comprehensive reforms in Nig...

By Dansu Peter 

The Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Onilude Segun Adeniran, has called for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria's prison system, emphasizing the need for effective rehabilitation programs, improved access to justice for awaiting-trial detainees, and urgent measures to decongest overcrowded prisons. 

Hon. Onilude made these remarks during a courtesy visit by the Assistant Controller of the Badagry Custodial Center, Nigeria Correctional Service, ACC Ogunajo Akin Lawrence, to his office on Wednesday. The visit marked an opportunity to discuss the welfare of inmates and the role of the local government in supporting correctional services.

Commending the Nigeria Correctional Service for its efforts in ensuring inmate security and welfare, Hon. Onilude stressed the importance of programs aimed at reintegrating offenders into society. He urged the service to intensify its rehabilitation efforts, aligning with its mandate to reform and rehabilitate offenders.

The chairman also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting the correctional service. He highlighted the need for public enlightenment campaigns to reduce the stigma faced by former inmates and called for expedited trials to address cases of unjust incarceration. Additionally, he advocated for practical solutions to alleviate prison congestion, ensuring that inmates receive fair treatment and timely justice.

In response, ACC Ogunajo Akin Lawrence expressed his gratitude to the chairman for his support and highlighted the progress made by the service in providing skill acquisition and educational programs aimed at preparing inmates for a better future. He emphasized that the purpose of his visit was to strengthen collaboration with the local government, improve inmate welfare, and provide the necessary resources to enhance the custodial center's operations.

The meeting was attended by Vice Chairman Hon. Elizabeth Kappo, Secretary to the Local Government Hon. Moses Gbetogo Opa, Council Manager Mrs. Olusanya Mary Abosede, Supervisor for Works Hon. Sulaimon Iroko, and Special Adviser on Budget Hon. Abu Lanre Ajayi.

The discussions underscored the importance of effective collaboration between local authorities and the correctional service to ensure the betterment of inmates and the overall success of rehabilitation programs.