Ondo Assembly Calls for Improved Conditions in Correctional Centres
…… Assures Support for Effective Service Delivery
By Oyeniwa Elizabeth
The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, has called for improved conditions in correctional facilities, with a focus on the rehabilitation and reformation of inmates.
The Speaker made the call while hosting the Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Correctional Service for Ondo and Ekiti States, Zone K, Assistant Controller-General (ACG) O. E. Famuwagun, and his delegation at the Assembly Complex during a courtesy visit.
Oladiji, while reacting to the profile and professional background of the new Zonal Coordinator, expressed confidence that he would deploy his wealth of experience to bring positive transformation to correctional facilities in Ondo and Ekiti States.
He, however, lamented the poor condition of some correctional centres, noting that the facilities are meant to reform and rehabilitate inmates rather than subject them to harsh conditions.
According to him, observations made during a recent visit to one of the correctional facilities in the state revealed conditions that fall short of the rehabilitative purpose for which such institutions were established.
The Speaker also advised the Zonal Coordinator to engage the State Governor on the need to increase the number of inmates granted amnesty during national celebrations such as Independence Day and other significant occasions.He noted that such measures would help decongest correctional centres that are currently overstretched.
Oladiji further stressed that the House of Assembly remains committed to supporting the Nigeria Correctional Service in achieving its mandate of reforming, rehabilitating and reintegrating inmates into society.
Meanwhile, the Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Correctional Service for Ondo and Ekiti States, Zone K, ACG O. E. Famuwagun, explained that Zone K is one of the newly established zones created to strengthen administrative capacity and enhance operational efficiency within the service.
He said the zone was designed to serve as a vital link between the National Headquarters and State Commands, while promoting transparency and improved coordination in the discharge of the service’s core responsibilities.
Famuwagun noted that the visit was aimed at familiarising himself with the leadership of the Ondo State House of Assembly as a critical stakeholder, while also congratulating the state on the celebration of its Golden Jubilee.
He added that the visit also provided an opportunity to seek the cooperation, assistance and logistical support of the Assembly to enable him to effectively carry out his responsibilities as the second substantive Zonal Coordinator.
Giving the vote of thanks, the Clerk of the House, Barr. Benjamin Jayeola, appreciated the Zonal Coordinator and his delegation for counting the Ondo State House of Assembly worthy of the visit.
He urged them to take advantage of the Speaker’s assurance of support and maintain close collaboration with the legislative arm in advancing the objectives of the Nigeria Correctional Service in the state.
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