Ondo Prisons boss calls for inmates assistance

By Michael Ofulue

The Comptroller of Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS)in Ondo State, Suanu Kinane has called on philanthropists, private organizations  and individuals to come to the aid of inmates currently awaiting trials across the state by donating materials for their upkeeps and help in alleviating their sufferings.

The Comptroller made the call when a Non-Organization; Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) in collaboration with Ondo State Female Lawyers Association  and Mide-Help Foundation presented gift items to female inmates at the Olokuta Prisons in Akure.

Kinane who was represented at the occasion by Assistant Comptroller of Prisons in charge of Welfare, ACP Osogun Olusegun, said the issue of welfare of prison inmates, especially the females are paramount to the agency.

He enjoined organizations and individuals to support in improving and help solve the challenges facing the prison inmates in the state.

Kinane appreciated the gesture of YALI and other organizations for their support, saying their visit have demonstrated their love for the inmates and the Nigeria Prisons Service and stressed that government alone cannot tackle the problems confronting the agency.

Leader of the YALI group, Bukola Adekunle while presenting the gift items which included; tissue papers, ladies sanitary pads, washing soap and many other welfare materials assured the inmates of their continued support for their upkeeps.

She said her group is committed to alleviating the sufferings of inmates who are presently standing trials for various offences adding that they will continue to do their best in ensuring that  the 17 female inmates at Olokuta are in better health conditions.

She promised to work hand-in-hand with the Association of Women Lawyers in the state to offer free legal services to the female inmates for quick dispensation of their cases, adding that  her organisation will also assist in the area of provision of water for them.

She commended the authority of the prisons service in the state for their efforts at ensuring that the welfare of inmates top their priorities.

Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer of Nigeria Prisons Service in Ondo state, Barrister Babatunde Ogundare said the agency will continue to do its best in taking care of the inmates in various prisons custodies across the state.

He added that the agency’s welfare group is working and partnering with various non-governmental organizations and other relevant institutions to tackle the challenges facing inmates in the prisons and called on all and sundry to join hands in supporting the welfare of the inmates.

He applauded the YALI group for their generosity and assured that the gifts presented to the inmates would be given to them for their use.