The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it has donated relief materials to support the wellbeing of inmates in correctional centres in Rivers.
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
The statement said that the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, presented the materials during a brief ceremony at the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Command in Rivers.
Speaking at the event, Ogbuku said that the intervention was in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Represented by Jeremiah Oritsejolone, the Director, Social Services, Ogbuku said that the donation also reflected the commission’s commitment to supporting the vulnerable.
“The NDDC recognises the current economic hardship that is affecting communities, residents and institutions across the country.
“Although we cannot reach out to everyone at once, we are deliberately identifying the most vulnerable groups for intervention,” he said.
Ogbuku further stated that the commission had provided relief materials to several flood-affected communities and areas impacted by environmental degradation.
He assured that similar interventions would be extended to other deserving communities, residents and institutions in the Niger Delta Region.
“The inmates in our correctional centres are members of our society, and many of them will eventually reintegrate into their communities.
“It is therefore important for us to support them and contribute to their welfare,” he said.
Responding, the Controller of NCoS in Rivers, Richard Williams, thanked the NDDC for supporting the welfare of inmates in the state.
Williams described the donation as a timely intervention and a demonstration of compassion towards inmates in custodial facilities across the state.
“Today is indeed a special day for officers, staff and inmates. This gesture shows that the NDDC understands the importance of caring for the less privileged in society,” he said.
He assured that the relief materials would be distributed fairly across all custodial centres in the state.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Coordinator of the Sustainable Development Goals, Ipalibo Madodoye, commended the NDDC for the initiative.
Madodoye said the intervention aligned with several SDGs, including quality education, gender equality and inclusion, peace, justice and strong institutions.
He pledged the continued partnership of the SDG Office with the NDDC in promoting programmes that improve the welfare of women, youths, other groups.
