Kaduna Medium Security Custodial Centre has commended Governor Uba Sani for fulfilling his promise of providing financial support to inmates granted clemency on Democracy Day, describing the gesture as a major boost to their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Governor Uba Sani had, on June 12, exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy by granting pardon to 97 inmates across custodial centres in Kaduna State to commemorate Democracy Day.
He also pledged to provide each beneficiary with financial assistance to help them restart their lives.
On Friday, officials of the Kaduna State Government fulfilled the promise by presenting N100,000 to each of the freed inmates at the Kaduna Medium Security Custodial Centre.
Speaking at the event, the Assistant Controller in charge of the custodial centre, Dalhat Ibrahim, praised the governor’s commitment to the welfare of the former inmates, saying the intervention would strengthen ongoing efforts at reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration.
He noted that settling the inmates’ fines and providing them with financial support would encourage them to embrace lawful means of livelihood and reduce the likelihood of returning to crime.
Ibrahim urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money by investing it in small businesses or other productive ventures that would enable them to become self-reliant and responsible members of society.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Protocol, Alhaji Mohammed Suleiman, said the visit marked the final phase of implementing the clemency package announced by Governor Uba Sani on Democracy Day.
He said the administration remained committed to ensuring that the beneficiaries successfully reintegrate into society.
He reiterated the governor’s appeal to the freed inmates to be of good conduct, avoid criminal activities and take advantage of the opportunity to rebuild their lives as responsible citizens.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Chuks Solomon from Ebonyi State expressed gratitude to Governor Uba Sani for securing their freedom and providing financial assistance.
Another beneficiary, Abubakar Umar, who spoke in Hausa, described the governor’s intervention as life-changing and prayed for God’s continued blessings upon him, Kaduna State and Nigeria.
