Dep Controller Makes Case For  Inmates’  Entrepreneurship

The Deputy Controller of  Port Harcourt Maximum Correctional Centre, Mr Effiong Etim, has said that inmates  of the centre would soon be proud  operators of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
This, he said, is because the center would soon  establish bakery and paint industries.
Etim, who disclosed this recently in a chat with  newsmen during  the graduation ceremony of seven inmates from the  National Open  University of Nigeria  (Special Centre) at the Correctional Centre, said it is to ensure that inmates live better  lives upon their release to the society.
According to him,  inmates need to be trained during incarceration so that the years spent behind bars will not be a waste.
He explained  that gone  are the days when inmates  were treated inhumanly, adding, “they must be given the best treatment despite their situations.
“We are looking at establing bakery and paint industries in Port Harcourt Correctional centre.  We want the inmates to have a sense of belonging in the society, that is why we want to establish the industries for the inmates”, he said.
The centre’s DC further hinted that  other skills  acquisition  centres will  also be established to accommodate those who may not be willing to feature in either the bakery  or paint industry.
Though he did not say the exact time of the project  commencement, he noted that it will not be long.
He expressed  satisfaction that the Port Harcourt Correctional  Centre was doing well under the new Controller, and assured his support to ensure  that all projects  are executed  as planned.
Some of the inmates expressed joy over the management of the centre,  and called for more government’s attention in skill aquisition.
The Tide gathered that the centre is currently leading in skills  acquisition, training and business programmes for inmates.

By: King Onunwor