The Par-RVP initiative supports a better post-project life for prisoners

The awareness of the public on the rights and rehabilitation of the Vulnerable Initiative (Initiative PAR-RVP) has asked for an increase in post-reassuring support and effective rehabilitation for the prisoners of the Nigerian correction service, pushing the communities to welcome former befenders reformed into society.

The defense came during the celebration of the NGO’s Maiden Anniversary, which was held in collaboration with the chaplain of the Nigerian correction service at the Suleja Correctional Center on September 27, 2025.

The event also characterized the official launch of the “Adott-Anmate” program of the organization, designed to support prisoners on their rehabilitation and reintegration trip.

Highlighting the event were special presentations of 19 prisoners who shared their “rehabilitation experiences and return plans to the community”. A group of judges that includes experts in the justice sector has assessed their presentations, after which five prisoners have been selected as winners and formally adopted by the organization. The winners received cash gifts, legal assistance, consultancy and post -therapy assistance to help them successfully reintegrate after their release.

More than 100 prisoners attended the event, expressing excitement and motivation to take charge of their future by developing personal reintegration plans.

They also praised the program for giving them the opportunity to express their corrective experiences, behavioral progress and results of the acquisition of skills.

Speaking to the event, the executive and founder director of the Par-RVP initiative, Mrs. Ogechi Ogu (Esq.), Appeal to the Nigerians to end the stigmatization of former criminals who have shown good conduct and completed their rehabilitation.

“Refusal and stigmatization can only push these people into a life of crime,” he said. “But if the communities support them and encourage them to apply the skills learned during custody, they can become useful citizens and respectful of the law.”

Mrs. Ogu also expressed appreciation for the general controller of the Nigerian correction service, the FCT correction controller and the staff of the Suleja custody center for cooperation and coordination during the event. He extended gratitude to the partners, donors and volunteers of the initiative for their continuous support.

Delighting a message of goodwill, Mr. Femi Ajayi, representative of the United Nations Office on drugs and crime (UNODC), encouraged the prisoners to maximize their time in custody learning professional and soft skills such as tailoring, shoemaker, discovery, hair, painting, communication and critical thinking.

“These skills can help you build a confident future beyond these walls,” he recommended.

Through the Adopty-An-Inmate initiative and other rehabilitation programs, the PAR-RVP initiative continues to promote a positive behavioral change, the development of skills and the reintegration of the community for detainees through multiple correction structures in Nigeria.

The organization also successfully implemented rehabilitation and reinstate projects in four custodian centers in three state commands, together with a peak seminar on the prevention of drug abuses, dependence and insecurity.