01/10/2026
*Bishop of Otukpo Diocese Visits Correctional Center on Independence day*
Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo visited the Otukpo Correctional Centre on Thursday, October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day, where he presented skills-acquisition equipment and start-up kits to inmates undergoing vocational training.
The initiative, implemented through the Justice, Development and Caritas Foundation (JDCF), seeks to empower inmates with practical skills that can enhance their self-reliance and livelihood opportunities upon release.
During the presentation, the Bishop encouraged the inmates to identify, develop and make productive use of their talents, assuring them that their present circumstances should not prevent them from preparing for a better future.
A total of 132 inmates are to benefit from the programme across five vocational departments: carpentry, tailoring, barbing, shoemaking and laundry. The equipment provided includes carpentry tools and machines, sewing and tailoring equipment, professional barbing clippers, shoemaking materials and tools, as well as washing bowls and pressing iron for the laundry department.
The Bishop was accompanied by the Director of JDCF, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ejeh, and members of the JDCF staff.
Speaking during the event, the Director thanked the Bishop for his continued support and concern for the welfare and rehabilitation of inmates. He also expressed appreciation to CAFOD and Caritas Nigeria for funding the project and supporting the implementation of the skills-acquisition programme.
Also speaking, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Corrections, Zone H, Sylvanus Gbenga Yakubu, expressed appreciation to the Catholic Church for its sustained support to the Correctional Service. He acknowledged the importance of initiatives that contribute to the rehabilitation and development of inmates.
The Officer in Charge of the Correctional Facility, ACC Austine Bemba, similarly appreciated the Church for its continued support. He noted that the skills-acquisition programme would benefit both convicted inmates and those awaiting trial, providing them with opportunities to acquire useful skills while in the facility.
The Project Manager, Mrs. Comfort Ene Ikwulechini, explained that the project is designed to address the lack of relevant vocational skills among young inmates and reduce the risk of returning to crime after release due to idleness and limited livelihood opportunities.
She noted that although the Correctional Centre has an existing vocational department, it has faced challenges due to inadequate equipment and start-up materials required for effective skills training.
The event also featured a novelty football match between inmates awaiting trial and convicted inmates, adding a recreational and social dimension to the programme.
The initiative demonstrates the commitment of the Catholic Church, through JDCF, to supporting rehabilitation, human dignity, skills development and the successful reintegration of inmates into society.
