The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has donated relief materials to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Rivers State Command, to support inmates across custodial centres in the state as part of efforts to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic hardship.
The donation formed part of the Commission’s humanitarian intervention programme aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable groups across the Niger Delta. It also comes as government agencies and development institutions continue to implement social intervention initiatives to ease the impact of current economic challenges on vulnerable Nigerians.
The relief materials were presented on behalf of the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, by the Director of Social Services, Engr. Jeremiah Oritsejolone.
Speaking during the presentation, Oritsejolone said the intervention aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects the Commission’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable groups across the region.
He noted that the economic challenges facing the country had affected many communities and institutions, prompting the NDDC to prioritise assistance for those most in need.
According to him, the Commission has this year provided relief materials to several communities affected by flooding and environmental degradation and will continue extending similar interventions across the Niger Delta.
“The inmates in our correctional centres are members of our society. They are our brothers and sisters, and many of them will eventually reintegrate into their communities. It is therefore important that we support them and contribute to their welfare,” he said.
Oritsejolone also commended the NDDC management, led by Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for sustaining people-centred programmes designed to improve the lives of residents of the Niger Delta.
The Director of the NDDC Rivers State Office, Engr. Okezie Ule, described the donation as recognition of the critical role played by the Nigerian Correctional Service in maintaining peace, security and law and order.
He said the Commission appreciates the contributions of correctional officers and their efforts in ensuring public safety.
Responding, the Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Rivers State Command, Richard Moses Williams, thanked the NDDC for what he described as a timely and compassionate intervention.
Williams assured that the relief materials would be distributed fairly across all custodial centres in the state to ensure every inmate benefits from the support.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Coordinator of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ambassador Ipalibo Madodoye, said the initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education, Gender Equality and Inclusion, and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
Madodoye pledged continued collaboration between the SDG Office and the NDDC to implement programmes that improve the welfare of women, youths, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
The Deputy Director of Social Services, Mrs. Chioma Nwakwue, also commended officers and staff of the Nigerian Correctional Service for their cooperation and dedication to the care and rehabilitation of inmates, expressing hope that the relief materials would reach all intended beneficiaries.
