A’Ibom correctional service trains 160 on inmate rehabilitation

Nkereuwem Effiong

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has trained 160 chaplains, welfare officers and correctional centre ministers in Akwa Ibom State to strengthen inmate rehabilitation, spiritual counselling and welfare services.

The three-day workshop was held from 14 to 16 October 2026 at SouthHill Hotel and Suites, Ikot Ekpene. Anchor Missionary Foundation (AMF) and Prisoners for Christ International Ministry Nigeria (PFC) organised it in partnership.

The training equipped participants with practical ministry skills and faith-based approaches to support the reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.

Representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and other security agencies attended the opening ceremony, underscoring the importance of inter-agency cooperation in correctional reform.

Ahead of the workshop, the Executive Director of Anchor Missionary Foundation, Olubunmi Okunowo, and the National Director of Prisoners for Christ International Ministry Nigeria, Rev. Ndifreke Matthew, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Akwa Ibom State Controller of Corrections, CC Theophilus Okoka, at the command headquarters in Uyo on 13 October.

The delegation subsequently visited the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ikot Ekpene, where its members interacted with inmates and donated food items and other welfare materials.

In appreciation, female inmates presented handmade bags to Mrs Obianuju Okunowo, wife of the foundation’s executive director, and Mrs Florence Okoka, wife of the controller. The gesture highlighted the inmates’ participation in rehabilitation and skills acquisition activities.

Okoka thanked both organisations for their support and commended the participants and sister security agencies for their commitment to professional development and correctional reform.

He said partnerships and capacity-building initiatives were essential to promoting humane custody, positive behavioural change and the successful reintegration of inmates into society.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships and building personnel capacity to improve rehabilitation services and contribute to safer communities.

DSC Richard Metong, Command Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Akwa Ibom State Command, issued the statement and made it available to journalists on Sunday.