Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State has assured that his administration would provide all necessary assistance that will help improve the prison conditions in the state, including providing a vehicle that would enhance transportation of inmates to court.

Obi gave the assurance in a service during a pastoral visit to Awka Prisons at which the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, confirmed 50 inmates and donated a bus to them. The event was also graced by Governor Obi’s wife, Margaret. Both of them sponsored those that were confirmed.

Obi enjoined the prison management to engage the inmates in agricultural activities to encourage them to be productive, assuring of assistance in that direction.

The governor regretted that some politicians and privileged individuals are exploiting the condition of the unemployed to expose the youth to crime and urged parents to discourage their children from being used as thugs.

In his homily, Bishop Ezeokafor called on government to accelerate the reform of the Nigerian prison system. He said that the present level of inadequate facilities in Nigerian Prisons were unacceptable. He lamented that over 90% of the inmates were still awaiting trial and stressed the need for necessary measures to be put in place to facilitate quick dispensation of justice and protect the fundamental rights of individuals.

Bishop Ezeokafor explained that the visit was to give the inmates a sense of belonging and encourage them to reform for proper integration into the society when they regain their freedom.

He regretted that some criminals are groomed and nurtured by politicians who use them to promote violence to achieve selfish interest and urged prison workers to see their work as a vocation that should be carried out with dedication and commitment.

Speaking, the Parish Priest of St. Matthew Catholic Church, Reverend Father Jonas-Benson Okoye, said Governor Obi had introduced humility and fear of God in governance and noted the State had remained stable and calm in spite the fast approaching elections because of the order introduced by the governor.

In his speech, the State Controller of prisons, Mr. Patrick Ondoma, said Governor Obi had elevated the state to position of excellence and expressed gratitude for his numerous contributions to prisons in the state.

•Photo: The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Paulinus Ezeokafor, administering the Sacrament of Confirmation to prison inmates at Amawbia Prison, while their sponsors, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Obi the Governor of Anambra State and his wife, look on.