The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Akwa Ibom Command, has equipped five inmates with vocational starter packs to support their reintegration into society and foster sustainable livelihoods post-discharge.
Richard Metong, the command’s spokesman, disclosed this on Friday in Uyo, the state capital, during a presentation at the Medium Security Custodial Centre. The Controller of the command, Frank Okonkwo, emphasized the importance of rehabilitation as a core mandate of the NCoS Act, 2019.
“When inmates are trained and empowered, we are not just releasing individuals back into society; we are releasing skilled, productive citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to their communities. This is how we build a safer and better society,” Okonkwo said.
The empowerment programme, carried out in collaboration with strategic stakeholders, is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen vocational and skills-acquisition initiatives across the Akwa Ibom command. Beneficiaries received training in hairdressing, tailoring, and barbing, along with professional starter kits to immediately launch their trades.
Metong added that two of the five inmates have already been discharged, while the remaining three are expected to leave custody between now and January 2026.
