The Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON), Bayelsa State Chapter, in partnership with the Successful Motherhood Initiative (SMI), has conducted a personal-social counselling outreach for inmates at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Okaka, Bayelsa State.

The programme combined professional counselling services with the donation of food items aimed at supporting the welfare and rehabilitation of inmates.

Items donated included 10 bags of garri, two bags of beans, two gallons of palm oil and one gallon of vegetable oil.

More than 100 inmates received counselling focused on character modification, emotional well-being and positive behavioural change to prepare them for successful reintegration into society.

Speaking during the outreach, the State Chairman of CASSON, Mr. Julius Lambert Nyananyo, represented by Prof. Agnes Maliki, said inmates remain part of society and deserve support, care and opportunities for reform.

He urged members of the public to regularly assist inmates, noting that such gestures help them feel valued rather than abandoned by society.

Nyananyo said the partnership between CASSON and SMI reflected a shared commitment to promoting hope, rehabilitation and social reintegration through professional counselling interventions.

He encouraged inmates to embrace government rehabilitation programmes and use their period of correction to become responsible and law-abiding citizens.

Bayelsa Representative in the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission and CASSON Vice Chairperson, Dr. Helen Inafa Bob, described the outreach as deeply fulfilling.

According to her, touching lives and giving people a renewed sense of purpose remains one of life's greatest responsibilities.

She said the large turnout of inmates for counselling highlighted the need for greater societal support, stressing that successful reintegration benefits both former inmates and the wider community.

CASSON also commended the officers and personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Okaka, for providing a conducive environment for the successful implementation of the programme.

The association further acknowledged the contributions of Prof. Agnes Maliki, Prof. Victor Torubeli, members of CASSON, postgraduate students of Guidance and Counselling from Niger Delta University, media practitioners and SMI executives for their roles in the success of the initiative.

The outreach, held on June 18, underscores CASSON's commitment to advancing counselling services as a tool for rehabilitation, reintegration and national development.

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