BY SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has appreciated Monsignor Obiora Ike, Founder, Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP) for his contributions to inmates’ reformation and uplift of custodial centres.
It would be recalled, that Ike, who is also a Professor of Ethics and Religion, celebrated his 70 birthday, 45 years of priesthood and 40 years of founding CIDJAP, on April 7.
Speaking after a novelty match in honour of Ike at the Maximum Custodial Centre, Enugu on Saturday, Assistant Controller-General of Corrections (ACG) Prisca Oku, the Zonal Coordinator of NCoS, Zone M, Enugu. commended Ike for dedication to reformation of inmates.
Oku noted that Ike through his CIDJAP institute had been instrumental to most of the charity and humanitarian works done in custodial centres in Enugu State and beyond.
She said, “On behalf of the Controller-General of NCoS, C-G Sylvester Nwakuche, we appreciate you for 40 years of impact to inmates in the state through personal and CIDJAP projects and interventions. You are indeed a pillar of support.
“We, NCoS, are here to celebrate your uncommon and impactful life as well as touch on inmates’ reformation in our facilities.
“We continue to pray that God keep blessing and strengthen you with good health. God will bless all those working in CIDJAP that have helped to carry out your positive dreams and aspirations concerning inmates to reality.”
Corroborating, the Enugu State Controller of Corrections, Mr Valins Obizue, noted that Ike had become the voice of the voiceless and represented inmates interest in all levels of governance and engagements.
“Your life, Monsignor, is a great inspiration to all and your philanthropy to the downtrodden and those behind bars remains exemplary for over 40 years.
“We know that the centres always have pressing needs; but we must pulse and thank you immensely for the dedicated years of service to humanity especially to the course and reformation of inmates. We are grateful,” Obizue said.
Speaking, the Deputy Controller of Corrections in-charge of Maximum Custodial Centre, Enugu, Dr Sunday Igwe, said that NCoS brought out the programmes to appreciate and celebrate a priest and brother to inmates, “who holds nothing back to show his love to inmates”.
According to Igwe, the novelty football match won by Monsignor Ike’s team, the guided tour and inmates’ products’ exhibition are all meant for the inmates and NCoS to join in celebrating Ike’s impact to the custodial community in Enugu State.
“We appeal for assistance in differs ways especially in reduction of number of inmates, vehicles to take them to court, vehicles for official duties, revitalisation of machines and equipment in various workshops and a functional water tanker among others,” he said.
One of the inmates, who spoke on condition of anonymity on behalf of others, said that CIDJAP had given virtually all inmate educational scholarship to all levels of education, sponsored vocational training and paid health expenses among other philanthropic gestures.
“However, daddy, we are no longer asking for double ration of food; but double ration of freedom and release from here; so that we can be integrated into the society and use our discovered talents and higher educational attainment to assist the society better,” he said.
Responding, Ike said that he had taken copious note of lacks in the facility during the guided tour, listened to demands of inmates and “noted an abnormal as well”.
He noted that CIDJAP would donate 10 sewing machines and bring technicians that would fix obsolete machines in vocational workshops, adding: “We will meet and pressurise the governor to donate vehicles for conveying inmates to courts and for officials.”
Ike said, “Since I am a member of the State Committee on Prerogative of Mercy; the governor will be granting amnesty to some inmates on May 29, which is Democracy Day; Oct. 1 Independence Day and on New Year Day.
“I will be meeting the Chief Judge of the state and work out possibility of having jail delivery twice yearly and send CIDJAP lawyers to take up some cases, where the accused and incarcerated are innocent or have no one to speak for them.”
Ike assured that on compassionate grounds, he would take up the case of nursing mothers or pregnant women in custody.
“We must stop the courts and law enforcement agencies sending mentally challenged persons to custodial facilities, there are medically helpful places they should go to.” he added.
