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The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, has undertaken the renovation of the administrative block of the Umuahia Correctional Centre in Abia State.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu’s intervention included the complete re-roofing and installation of new ceilings for the facility, a direct response to a request made by the former State Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mrs. Josephine Ogbeifun, during her courtesy visit to the Deputy Speaker in May 2025.
This humanitarian initiative, reflecting Kalu’s unwavering commitment to public service, has transformed the facility’s condition, providing a safer and more conducive environment for both staff and inmates who had previously endured poor working and living conditions due to structural decay.
Further demonstrating his compassion, the Deputy Speaker also offset fines for over 15 inmates in both the Umuahia and Aba Correctional Centres, enabling their release and helping to decongest the overcrowded facilities.
In appreciation, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, Mni, conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the Deputy Speaker in a letter dated July 4, 2025.
According to Nwakuche, “I write to express my sincere appreciation for your generous support in the re-roofing of the Administrative Block at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Umuahia. Your timely intervention has greatly enhanced the functionality and safety of this critical facility, improving staff working conditions and operational efficiency.
“This laudable act underscores your dedication to the development of public infrastructure and your unwavering support for federal institutions. Your concern for the welfare of correctional centres within your constituency is highly commendable and aligns with our vision of repositioning the Nigerian Correctional Service for improved professionalism.”
He further assured the Deputy Speaker of the Service’s continued collaboration with his office in promoting institutional growth and national development.
Similarly, in another letter dated October 3, 2025, the Deputy Controller in charge of Umuahia Custodial Centre, Mr. Michael Ojiako Mabia, expressed profound gratitude to Kalu for his benevolence and commitment to the welfare of correctional institutions.
“On behalf of the staff and inmates of Umuahia Custodial Centre, I write to extend my deepest appreciation for your intervention in the re-roofing of our administrative block. Your kind gesture has restored the structural integrity of the facility and created a safer, more conducive working environment for our officers.
“This act reflects your deep sense of responsibility, compassion, and dedication to national service. It will no doubt leave a lasting positive impact on both staff morale and administrative efficiency,” Mabia stated.
He further appealed to the Deputy Speaker for continued support in addressing other pressing needs of the inmates, including the payment of fines for those convicted of minor offences to help further decongest the centre.
“We are truly grateful and look forward to sustained partnership in improving the operations of the Nigerian Correctional Service,” Mabia added.
