Enugu's First Lady Commends Correctional Officers' Training

The wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, has commended the Correctional Service Training School Enugu (CSTSE) for its efforts in strengthening the skills of correctional personnel.

Mbah said such training remains essential for ensuring secure, humane, and professional custody within correctional institutions. She gave the commendation on Thursday during a novelty football match and cultural display organised in honour of Monsignor Prof. Obiora Ike, President and Founder of the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP).

The novelty match between the CSTSE Staff Team and participants of the 12th DSC Development Course ended in a goalless draw.

Tribute to Correctional Personnel

Represented by the Enugu State Chairperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Mrs Rita Edeh, Mbah praised the training school's efforts and commended its commitment to the reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates, while acknowledging the demanding nature of correctional work. "Your work requires commitment, discipline and compassion," she said.

She further commended the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, and the CSTSE Commandant, Controller of Corrections Miriam Mere, describing their service to Enugu State and Nigeria as commendable and stressing the importance of discipline and compassion in correctional administration.

On the novelty match itself, Mbah noted that sporting success is not always determined by the scoreline but by the friendships and unity it fosters. "To our cultural performers, thank you for giving us the opportunity to appreciate the beauty and richness of our heritage," she said, before congratulating Ike and praying for his continued strength, wisdom, and fulfilment.

Mere Honours Ike's Decades of Service

Commandant Mere said the event was organised to honour Ike as an icon of social justice, human dignity, and institutional transformation. "For over four decades, through CIDJAP, your unyielding commitment to inmate welfare, free legal aid and restorative justice has reshaped correctional administration," she said, crediting Ike's intellectual and structural interventions with strengthening the training school's capacity to produce professionally competent correctional officers.

Mere noted that the day's cultural performances showcased Nigeria's diversity, with participants drawn from more than 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory. She also commended the NCoS Controller-General for renewed investment in the school and Governor Peter Mbah for his continued support of security agencies.

Ike Pledges Continued Support

Responding, Ike thanked the NCoS leadership and Mere for what he described as a "VIP welcome" extended to him and CIDJAP. He commended the NCoS for its investment in the school, its judicious use of resources, and the maintenance of its facilities. "As an individual and through CIDJAP, I will continue to support NCoS facilities in any possible way we can," he said.

He stressed the importance of upholding the dignity and rights of inmates, regardless of their conviction status. "Whether someone is sentenced or not; first, we must acknowledge that he is a human being," he said.

Ike announced that the school had been invited to CIDJAP's upcoming 40th anniversary celebration and pledged continued support for the institution. As a gesture of goodwill, he donated four water storage tanks toward the Commandant's ongoing water rehabilitation and reticulation project, and also presented a token to the players, noting that other avenues of support would be explored in the future.

Recognitions and Cultural Highlights

Highlights of the event included Ike's inspection of a guard of honour and the presentation of an appreciation plaque recognising his contribution to social justice. A separate appreciation plaque was presented to Rangers International FC Enugu General Manager, Amobi Ezeaku, for his role in promoting inmate rehabilitation and staff development through sports.

The event also featured cultural dances performed by course participants representing various ethnic groups. Other dignitaries in attendance included the Zonal Coordinator, Zone M, NCoS, P.C. Oku; Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties to the Governor's Wife, Mrs Chidimma Egeonu; and the Officer-in-Charge of Enugu Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Dr S.A. Igwe.