Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano, has urged prisoners in the state to turn a new leaf and give their life to Christ, assuring them that their future could still be bright. She was speaking while visiting Amawbia Prison within the state capital as well as Onitsha and Aguata prisons, to give the inmates a sense of belonging during the Yuletide.

Mrs. Obiano told the inmates that as a mother, she came with a message of love because Christmas is a celebration meant to be shared with loved ones, especially those restricted by circumstances.

Her words: “As the wife of the governor, I am privileged to be the mother of all in the state and I see you as an important segment of the one big family.

“The fact that you are confined here does not mean that you cannot come out reformed and better than others and able to contribute to the service and progress of our state.

“Always remember that you are in prison to be reformed and rehabilitated into the society. In fact, I bet one of you may even turn out to be governor of Anambra State one day, but for that to happen, you have to turn a new leaf and give your life to Christ.

“I can assure you that I will always remember you in my prayers and I want you to also pray to God to enable you change and avoid acts that may bring you back into prisons.”

Mrs. Obiano expressed concern about the large number of inmates on awaiting trial and assured that she would bring the issue to the attention of her husband, Governor Willie Obiano, so that he may liaise with relevant authorities to ensure that something is done about it.

Welcoming the governor’s wife, the Assistant Controller of Amawbia Prisons, Mr. Chris Akabueze, commended her for the show of love and concern, saying that her coming had given them the opportunity to request the assistance of the government to meet some of the pressing needs of the prison.

Akabueze listed the needs to include the repair of the water pumping machine and payment of fees for inmates sitting for junior WAEC exams, among others.

At Onitsha Prisons, the Controller Mr. Assistant Controller of Prisons Mr. Felix Ezengwo, expressed gratitude to Mrs. Obiano for the love showered on the inmates and urged her not to relent as God would continue to bless her good works.

Mrs. Obiano donated various items, including one cow to each prison, cooked rice and meat in packs, bags of rice, noodles, tubers of yam, beverages, soap and detergents for washing and laundry.

•Photo shows Mrs. Obiano speaking during her visit to Amawbia Prisons.

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