Entrepreneurship development has been described as key requirement that would enable Correctional Officers and Men deliver effectively on their core mandate reforming, rehabilitating and re-integrating inmates back to the society.
The above assertion took centre stage during the opening ceremony of a two-week entrepreneurship programme for Correctional Cadet Organized by a private Vocational Centre in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund, ITF at the Correctional Service Training School Kaduna.
Addressing the pilot Programme, Controller General of Corrections, CGC Haliru Nababa said, the programme with the theme “reforming the Reformer” is targeted at building the capacity of Cadet Officers with necessary training, skills and tools needed to deliver on their mandate.
Represented by the Zone B Zonal Coordinator ACG. Isaac Oluwasemire, the CGC noted that the initiative was inspired by the new service’s Act 2019 which provided for the change of its mandate from punitive to corrections.
In a speech, Area Manager, Industrial Training Fund, ITF Mr. Yahya Manu said that the acquired skills will not only enhance inmates’ reformation, but would be of great benefit to the trained Officers in the long run.
He encouraged the participants and other Personnel of the service to take advantage of the programme by devoting their time and energy to it.
The Managing Director of the private Vocational Center Mr. Ernest Essien said the programme became imperative following the need to support the Nigerian Correctional Service in the areas of skills development, leadership and entrepreneurship for them to be result oriented.
He pointed out that the two weeks intensive vocational training for selected Cardet Correctional Officers would cut across fashion and design, catering, industrial art, photography, leadership and mentorship among others.
The Commandant of the Correctional Service Training School Kaduna, CSTSK CC. Mohammed Isah thanked the CGC for keying into the program, and pledged to give the necessary cooperation and support toward ensuring the set goals and objective are achieved.
Daniel Karlmax