NGO is established to improve life for Nigerian prisoners after serving in correctional centres

NGO is established to improve life for Nigerian prisoners after serving in correctional centres

A non-governmental organization, public awareness on the rights and rehabilitation of vulnerable persons initiative (Par-RPV initiative) has ensured a more post-prison life for inmates in Nigerian correctional entries across the country. The NGO said it will target its satellite on inmates who show ample evidence of good behavior and have been adequately rehabilitated through skills training and are willing to return to their communities as useful citizens.

Par-RVP-initiative, is an initiative for effective support of prisoners in their rehabilitation/reintegration journey. “Adopt an Inmate Programme” was launched in its inaugural anniversary celebration in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service Chaplaincy at Suleja Correctional Center on 27 September 2025.

The highlight of the event were special presentations on their “experiences of rehabilitation and return to community plans” by 19 inmates from the Custodial Center. Their presentations were evaluated by judges drawn from experts from the justice sector, after which five prisoners were selected as winners and adopted by Par-RVP-initiative. The winners received cash gifts from the organization and were offered legal and support services including counseling and aftercare services after they were sent into custody.

The over 100 inmates who attended the presentations were very enthusiastic and motivated to be their voices and take their future into their own hands by having a plan before their release from custody.

The event also provided a platform to express their correctional experience and appreciation of behavioral treatment and acquiring skills and knowledge for effective rehabilitation.

They expressed gratitude to the management, staff, volunteers and partners of Par-RVP-initiative for their visit, gifts and support.

The Executive Director/ Founder par-RVP-initiative, Ogechi Ogu Esq. has called on Nigerians to desist from stigmatizing ex-offenders especially after successfully completing their time in correctional centers and showing evidence of reform and rehabilitation. He stressed that “rejection and stigmatization can only lead these people back to a life of crime, but if the community supports them in their search for honest means of livelihood and they are encouraged to apply what they have learned in custody, they will settle down well and be of use to themselves and their communities and will no longer be a threat to the safety of the people.”

Mrs Ogu expressed appreciation to the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Controller of Corrections FCT and the staff of Suleja Custodial Center for their assistance and coordination during the event.

He also appreciated partners, both individuals and organizations, for their contributions, wishing them God’s blessings and prosperity.

On the occasion, there were some goodwill messages, one among them coming from Mr. Femi Ajayi, Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, who advised the detainees to be engaged while in custody.

She encouraged them to take advantage of opportunities to learn various skills such as shoe making, tailoring, discovery, sewing, hair dressing, reading and writing by painting: “You can also learn soft skills such as communication, critical thinking and various other vocations that can help in your personal growth which will help you plan a future hope outside this center”

By providing a supportive and empowering environment, Par-RVPI is helping to give prisoners a second chance, enabling them to become productive members of society upon their release.

Par-RPV-initiative has also successfully implemented rehabilitation and reintegration programs in four custodial centers in three state commands and a flagship workshop on prevention of drug abuse, addiction and insecurity.