The Public Awareness on Rights and Rehabilitation of Vulnerable Persons Initiative (PAR-RVP Initiative) has called for improved post-incarceration support and effective rehabilitation for inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service, urging communities to welcome reformed ex-offenders back into society.
The advocacy came during the NGO’s maiden anniversary celebration, held in collaboration with the Chaplaincy of the Nigerian Correctional Service at the Suleja Correctional Centre on September 27, 2025.
The event also featured the official launch of the organisation’s “Adopt-An-Inmate” programme, designed to support inmates in their rehabilitation and reintegration journey.
Highlighting the event were special presentations by 19 inmates who shared their “Rehabilitation Experiences and Return-to-Community Plans.” A panel of judges comprising justice sector experts assessed their presentations, after which five inmates were selected as winners and formally adopted by the organisation. The winners received cash gifts, legal aid, counseling, and aftercare support services to help them reintegrate successfully after their release.
More than 100 inmates witnessed the event, expressing excitement and motivation to take charge of their future by developing personal reintegration plans.
They also commended the programme for giving them an opportunity to express their correctional experiences, behavioral progress, and skill acquisition achievements.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director and Founder of PAR-RVP Initiative, Mrs. Ogechi Ogu (Esq.), appealed to Nigerians to end the stigmatization of ex-offenders who have demonstrated good conduct and completed their rehabilitation.
“Rejection and stigmatization can only push these persons back into a life of crime,” she said. “But if communities support them and encourage them to apply the skills they learned while in custody, they can become useful and law-abiding citizens.”
Mrs. Ogu also expressed appreciation to the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, the FCT Correctional Controller, and the staff of the Suleja Custodial Centre for their cooperation and coordination during the event. She extended gratitude to the initiative’s partners, donors, and volunteers for their continuous support.
Delivering a goodwill message, Mr. Femi Ajayi, representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), encouraged inmates to maximise their time in custody by learning vocational and soft skills such as tailoring, shoemaking, barbing, hairdressing, painting, communication, and critical thinking.
“These skills can help you build a hopeful future beyond these walls,” he advised.
Through the Adopt-An-Inmate initiative and other rehabilitation programs, PAR-RVP Initiative continues to promote positive behavioral change, skill development, and community reintegration for inmates across multiple correctional facilities in Nigeria.
The organisation has also successfully implemented rehabilitation and reintegration projects in four custodial centres across three state commands, alongside a flagship workshop on drug abuse prevention, addiction, and insecurity.
