The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has donated relief materials to the Nigerian Correctional Service, Rivers State Command, as part of its humanitarian intervention to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic hardship on inmates across custodial centres in the state.

Presenting the relief materials on behalf of the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, the Director of Social Services, Engr. Jeremiah Oritsejolone, stated that the intervention was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and the transformational leadership of the NDDC management.

Oritsejolone noted that the donation reflected the Commission's commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and institutions across the Niger Delta region.

He said: "The NDDC recognises the current global economic hardship, which has also affected Nigeria. Although we cannot reach every community and institution at the same time, we deliberately identify the most vulnerable communities and organisations for intervention to help alleviate their suffering.

"This year alone, the Commission has provided relief materials to several communities affected by flooding and environmental degradation. We remain committed to extending similar interventions to other deserving communities and institutions across the region.

"The inmates in our correctional centres are members of our society. They are our brothers and sisters, and many of them will eventually reintegrate into their communities. It is therefore important that we support them and contribute to their welfare."

The Director also appreciated the management of the NDDC, led by Dr Samuel Ogbuku, for sustaining people-oriented programmes that continue to improve the lives of citizens across the Niger Delta.

In his remarks, the Director of the NDDC Rivers State Office, Engr. Okezie Ule, described the donation as a demonstration of the Commission's appreciation for the critical role the Nigerian Correctional Service plays in maintaining peace, security, and law and order.

He stated: "The presence of this delegation today is an indication that we recognise and appreciate the invaluable services rendered by the Nigerian Correctional Service. Without institutions like yours, maintaining law and order in society would be difficult.

Responding, the Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Rivers State Command, Mr Richard Moses Williams, expressed appreciation to the NDDC for the timely intervention, describing it as a remarkable act of compassion towards inmates.

He said: "Today is indeed a special day for the officers, staff, and inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Rivers State. This gesture demonstrates that the NDDC understands the importance of caring for the less privileged in society.

"We assure the Commission that the relief materials will be distributed equitably across all custodial centres in the state, ensuring that every inmate benefits from this intervention. We sincerely thank the management of the NDDC for this generous support."

Also speaking, the Rivers State Coordinator of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ambassador Ipalibo Madodoye, commended the NDDC for the initiative, noting that the intervention aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education, Gender Equality and Inclusion, and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

He affirmed that the SDG Office would continue to partner with the NDDC to promote programmes that improve the welfare of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

In her remarks, the Deputy Director of Social Services, Mrs Chioma Nwakwue, appreciated the management and staff of the Nigerian Correctional Service for their cooperation,

She prayed that the relief materials would reach all inmates in need and commended the officers for their dedication and commitment to the care and rehabilitation of inmates.

•PHOTO, L-R: NDDC Consultant, Dr Daniel Smile George; NDDC Director, EHSS, Engr Anthony Oyabebefa; NDDC Director Rivers State Office, Engr Okezie Ule; Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Rivers State Command, Mr Richard Williams; Deputy Director of Social Services, Mrs Chioma Nwakwue; NDDC Deputy Director, EHSS, Mrs Monica Fobruku; Nigerian Correctional Service, General Duty, Clifford Oroteidor, during the distribution of palliative materials to Nigerian Correctional Service, Rivers State Command.

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