Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting correctional facilities, improving inmates’ welfare and strengthening the operational capacity of the Nigerian Correctional Service across the state.
Otti gave the assurance while receiving the Acting Assistant Controller General and Zonal Coordinator of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Zone E, Owerri, Imo State, Mrs Ngozi Okereke, during a familiarisation visit to his office at Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area.
The governor congratulated Okereke on her appointment and acknowledged that although the Correctional Service is a federal agency, its operations have a direct impact on communities and residents of Abia State.
He identified the need for further improvements at the Umuahia, Aba and Arochukwu custodial centres, adding that his administration remained committed to addressing infrastructure challenges across public facilities and supporting federal institutions where necessary.
On the request for solar-powered boreholes at the Aba and Arochukwu custodial centres, Otti directed the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities to liaise with the Correctional Service to ensure that the request receives attention.
Earlier, Okereke, who oversees the Correctional Service in Abia and Imo states, said the visit was to formally introduce herself to the governor and announce her resumption of duty in the zone.
She commended the Abia State Government for its support in addressing infrastructure deficits, congestion in custodial centres and staff welfare.
According to her, the state government has supported the construction of a storey building comprising six cells to help reduce congestion in correctional facilities. She also acknowledged the provision of a furnished official residence for the State Controller of Corrections, two solar-powered boreholes at the Umuahia Custodial Centre and a 2025 Toyota Hilux vehicle for the state command.
Okereke expressed appreciation for the government’s continued cooperation and called for sustained support to improve conditions in the state’s custodial facilities.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
