Anambra Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as part of activities marking its Annual Press Week, donated essential relief items to inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Awka Custodial Centre, Amawbia.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that NUJ presented beverages, pain relief drugs, detergents, and other necessities to the inmates during the visit, which was aimed at offering support and encouragement.
Speaking on behalf of the Council Chairman, the Vice Chairman, Comrade Betty Oluchukwu, said the gesture was designed to inspire the inmates to view incarceration as a phase of preparation rather than the end of their story urging them to see it as “a waiting time, not a wasting time,” and to use the opportunity to build strength, skills, and knowledge that will aid their reintegration into society.
In his address, Chairman of the NUJ Press Week Committee, Comrade Ekpome Francis, described the visit as part of the union’s corporate social responsibility, stressing that journalists remain committed to giving back to society beyond their professional duties.
Responding, the Controller of Corrections, Anambra State Command, Mr. Emmanuel Nwakeze, represented by the Deputy Controller of Corrections, Amawbia Custodial Centre, DCC Patrick Chukwuemeka, thanked the journalists for their gesture while outlining some of the challenges confronting the facility, including lack of vehicles, inadequate medical supplies, overcrowding, and limited skills-acquisition equipment, and appealed to well-meaning individuals and organizations to assist in alleviating the burden.
The visit was concluded with words of encouragement and prayers for the inmates.
