NDDC Donates Relief Materials To Rivers Correctional Centres, Reaffirms Support For Inmates
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Port Harcourt – The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has donated relief materials to the Nigerian Correctional Service, Rivers State Command, as part of its humanitarian intervention aimed at cushioning the impact of the current economic hardship on inmates across custodial centres in the state.
Presenting the items on behalf of the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, the Commission’s Director of Social Services, Engr. Jeremiah Oritsejolone, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the people-centred leadership of the current NDDC management.
Oritsejolone explained that the intervention underscores the Commission’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and institutions across the Niger Delta.
He said, “The NDDC recognises the current global economic hardship, which has also affected Nigeria. Although we cannot reach every community and institution at the same time, we deliberately identify the most vulnerable communities and organisations for intervention to help alleviate their suffering.
“This year alone, the Commission has provided relief materials to several communities affected by flooding and environmental degradation. We remain committed to extending similar interventions to other deserving communities and institutions across the region.
“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 also commended the management of the NDDC, led by Dr Samuel Ogbuku, for sustaining people-focused programmes that continue to improve the lives of residents across the Niger Delta.
Also speaking, the Director of the NDDC Rivers State Office, Engr. Okezie Ule, described the donation as a demonstration of the Commission’s appreciation for the vital role of the Nigerian Correctional Service in promoting peace, security and public order.
According to him, “The presence of this delegation today is an indication that we recognise and appreciate the invaluable services rendered by the Nigerian Correctional Service. Without institutions like yours, maintaining law and order in society would be difficult.”
Responding, the Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Rivers State Command, Mr Richard Moses Williams, thanked the NDDC for what he described as a timely and compassionate intervention.
He said, “Today is indeed a special day for the officers, staff, and inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Rivers State. This gesture demonstrates that the NDDC understands the importance of caring for the less privileged in society.
“We assure the Commission that the relief materials will be distributed equitably across all custodial centres in the state, ensuring that every inmate benefits from this intervention. We sincerely thank the management of the NDDC for this generous support.”
The Rivers State Coordinator of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ambassador Ipalibo Madodoye, also applauded the Commission for the initiative, noting that it supports the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education, Gender Equality and Inclusion, as well as Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
Madodoye assured that the SDG Office would continue collaborating with the NDDC on programmes designed to improve the welfare of women, youths, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
In her remarks, the Deputy Director of Social Services, Mrs Chioma Nwakwue, expressed appreciation to the management and personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service for their cooperation.
She expressed hope that the relief materials would reach all inmates in need and commended the officers for their unwavering dedication to the care, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.
