By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Wife of Governor of Ebonyi State, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, has secured the release of 25 inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Abakaliki, during her 2025 Yuletide prison outreach.

The Intervention, which took place on Monday saw Mrs. Nwifuru pay the fines imposed on the affected inmates, paving the way for their freedom and reintegration into society.

The initiative was carried out through her pet humanitarian organisation, the BERWO Foundation, in collaboration with the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice.

In a remarks, Controller of Correctional Service, in Ebonyi state, Mrs. Angela Chika Igwugwu, described the visit as a rare demonstration of compassion and motherly love.

She commended Mrs. Nwifuru for sustaining the prison outreach as an annual tradition, noting that beyond securing inmates’ freedom, the First Lady also empowers them with cash and tools to support their reintegration as productive and law-abiding citizens.

“Your acts of kindness have reduced crime, restored hope and made Ebonyi State a safer haven. Your love for humanity will never go unrewarded,” Igwugwu said.

In his address, the Ebonyi State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Ben Odoh, described the First Lady as a beacon of hope for the less privileged and a shining example of leadership rooted in compassion.

He lamented that the state’s custodial centres are highly congested, noting that the Abakaliki facility, built to accommodate 387 inmates, currently houses 1,018 inmates, while the Afikpo Custodial Centre holds 187 inmates, bringing the total inmate population in the state to 1,205.

“Out of these, 25 inmates are receiving the gift of freedom today, courtesy of the zowge of the Governor,” Odoh said.

He explained that many inmates remained incarcerated solely due to their inability to pay fines attached to their sentences, stressing that Mrs. Nwifuru’s intervention was a practical demonstration of justice tempered with mercy.

Recalling previous interventions, the Attorney General said the First Lady paid fines for 68 inmates in 2023 and 41 inmates in 2024, all of whom were empowered upon release.

“Today again, you have paid fines for 25 inmates and empowered them. You have written your name in the book of life,” he added, urging the freed inmates to be good ambassadors of their families, the state and the First Lady.

Mrs. Nwifuru described the occasion as “deeply meaningful,” reminding all present that no life is beyond redemption.

“Today reminds us that no mistake should define a person forever. Justice must always work hand in hand with compassion. Punishment must be balanced with the opportunity for renewal,” she said.

She explained that the initiative was founded on the belief that correction should lead to restoration, noting that behind prison walls are men and women who still carry dreams, skills and the desire to live meaningful lives.

“Today, twenty-five individuals are stepping out not just into freedom, but into hope, responsibility and a new beginning,” she stated.

The First Lady emphasized that reintegration requires more than release, stressing the need for intentional support.

She praised the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice for ensuring due process and fairness throughout the exercise.

According to her, the programme aligns with the People’s Charter of Needs agenda of the Ebonyi State Government, championed by her husband, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, which prioritizes social justice, empowerment and inclusive governance.

“True correction is not achieved when people are released without support, but when they are empowered with the tools to rebuild their lives and reintegrated into society with dignity,” she said.

Addressing the beneficiaries directly, Mrs. Nwifuru reminded them that their freedom and empowerment were not rewards for wrongdoing but investments in their future.

“Freedom is meaningful only when guided by responsibility, discipline and a renewed commitment to lawful living. Let today mark the end of old mistakes and the beginning of purposeful living,” she charged.

She also appealed to families, community leaders, employers and faith-based organisations to accept and support the released inmates.

“When society opens its arms, transformation becomes possible. Let us choose restoration over rejection,” she urged.

The visit ended with prayers, emotional scenes and applause from inmates and officials, as beneficiaries openly wept and prayed for the First Lady.

Mrs. Nwifuru’s annual Yuletide prison outreach continues to stand as a symbol of hope, mercy and restorative justice in Ebonyi State, reinforcing her commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable and the ideals of rehabilitation and reintegration.

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