The Chief Judge of Gombe State, Halima Mohammed, on Monday donated skills acquisition materials estimated at N2million to inmates in six custodial centres.
Items donated include chemicals for production of petroleum jelly, detergent, soap making, liquid soap, materials for cap commonly known as hula, local han fan, and clippers.
Our correspondent reports that the six centres include Gombe, Billiri, Cham, Bajoga, Tula, and Nafada.
Handing over the items on behalf of Mohammed, Secretary of Gombe State Criminal Justice, and Inquiry Committee,
Saleh Aliyu, noted that the items were donated to make the inmates self-reliant.
The CJ said, “These items are for six custodial centres in the state. This initiative is a sequel to the visit by the Gombe State Criminal Justice and Inquiry Committee.
“It was observed that inmates should get something doing, so that after their jail term they will have something doing in their community. These materials amount to N2million, we have some chemicals used for soap making, and they are categorised into the various centres.”
She urged the authorities to allow for equitable distribution of items to the deserving inmates.
Director of Public Prosecution, Barrister Abubakar Jungudu, stated that the items were personally procured by the Chief Judge, due to her magnanimity.
“Having interacted with the inmates, she observed that even the name prison has been changed to correction, so if the inmates are properly trained in the custodial centre will be useful to themselves and the society at large. She bought these items with her personal money to be entrusted with the in-charge of the custodial centres,” Jungudo said.
Director Magistrate, Barrister Haruna Gelengu, said the donation of skill acquisition items would impact the lives of the inmates, “this will go a long way in reforming inmates. We hope the inmates will make good use of what has been provided for them,” he said.
Gelengu urged officials to ensure judicious utilisation of the items, adding “if they do it will go a long way in reforming the inmates after they must have served their jail terms.”
Lauding the effort of the Chief Judge, Controller of Corrections, Salihu Abdullahi, who was represented by Deputy Victor Odafen, assured the team that the items will be properly utilised.
“We want to assure her that this will help us in rehabilitating the inmates and it will make reintegration easier when they go out. I want to assure her that under our watch there will be accountability; we will make sure there will be profit, so that it will have multiplier effect,” Abdullahi said.
