NGO Set to Renovate, Equip Skills Acquisition Centre in Yola Prison

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Legend Golden Care Foundation (LGCF) is set to commence the renovation and equipping of the skills acquisition centre at the New Yola Correctional Centre in Yola, Adamawa State capital.

Ahead of the project, the Foundation has donated some skill acquisition kits for certain category of inmates in the correctional centre.

LGCF Executive Director Mrs. Kanayo Olisa-Metuh who made this known during a working visit to the Yola New Correction Centre said that her foundation has taken it as a point of duty to renovate and equip the skill acquisition centre.

She said this is part of its commitment towards providing inmates with necessary skills and tools to enhance their lives and be productive after reintegration into the society.

The executive director, who was represented by the Foundation’s Public Relations and Communications Officer, Mr. Promise Okah, emphasised that beyond learning a trade or mastering a craft, skill acquisition further entails empowerment which have transformative effects on individuals’ sense of self-worth and dignity.

“In our society today, individuals who have been incarcerated often face numerous challenges upon their release. From stigma and discrimination to lack of opportunities, the barriers to successful reintegration into the society can seem insurmountable. However, it is precisely in the face of these challenges that the importance of skill acquisition becomes apparent.

“LGCF has taken this as a point of duty and responsibility to equip inmates with the necessary knowledge and tools needed to develop/enhance their livelihood skills to rebuild their lives and chart a new course for themselves to reintegrate into society as productive and law-abiding citizens.

“Skill acquisition is not just about learning a trade or mastering a craft; it’s about empowerment. It has a transformative effect on individuals’ sense of self-worth and dignity. It provides them with a sense of purpose and direction, helping them to break free from the cycle of crime and incarceration.

“By investing in training for inmates, we are not only investing in their future but in the future of our society as a whole. Studies have shown that individuals who participate in education and training programmes while incarcerated are significantly less likely to return to prison upon their release. This contributes to safer and more cohesive communities.

“So, this is just the first step LGCF is taking towards ensuring that the skill acquisition centre in the facility is fully functional as part of our commitment to social and Human Capacity Development”, Olisa-Metuh said.

The executive director assured of her foundation’s continued support and partnership with the correctional centre in the collaborative efforts to enhance the wellbeing of inmates.

Speaking during the visit, Assistant Controller of Corrections, (ACC) Usman  Gambaki, represented by Chief Superintendent of Corrections (CSC) Dauda Stephen, noted that skill acquisitions is one of the key areas in reforming, rehabilitating and reintegrating inmates into the society.

The ACC urged the Foundation not to relent and commended it for extending similar gestures to other correctional facilities in the country.