Wife of the Governor of Niger State, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Umaru Bago, has admonished inmates at the Minna Medium Correctional Custody to rededicate themselves towards seeking knowledge while in custody to enable them to turn a new leaf.
She stated that as inmates under the custodian facility, acquiring both Western and Islamic knowledge will go a long way in reforming them to be useful to society.
Speaking during a Walimat graduation ceremony of 17 inmates at Minna Old Correctional Centre at the weekend, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago noted that the introduction of Islamic and Christian studies within the correctional centre was a noble course of reforming the lives of the inmates.
She said the introduction of spiritual knowledge within the walls of the correctional custody was aimed at fostering a path towards redemption and renewal, stressing that the forward-thinking approach was a vital step towards the rehabilitation and reformation of the inmates.
She commended the graduating inmates for their commitment to embracing the opportunity for personal growth and transformation.
"We commend your dedication; indeed, your commitment to becoming a better person is not only commendable but serves as an inspiration to us all. It is a testament to your resilience and determination to become better individuals," she asserted".
Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago further encouraged the graduating inmates and the people of the state to be prepared to contribute their quota to the development of the state, noting that "you possess the power to shape a positive future for yourselves and in turn contribute meaningfully to the progress of our society.".
She urged the graduates to turn to God, who, according to her, was the source of strength and guidance. Through faith and determination, "you can overcome obstacles and build a future filled with hope and promise.
"Let this graduation be a stepping stone towards a new chapter in your lives, marked by positive contributions to our beloved Niger State, Nigeria, and humanity as a whole," she added.
She pointed out that as they step towards becoming transformed individuals, they should bear in mind that they hold the power to contribute significantly to the development of the state, stressing that their redemption was not only a personal triumph but also a valuable contribution to the collective bargaining progress of the larger society.
"Let us not forget the importance of faith and turn to God. In times of challenge and jubilation, may your connection with the divine guide you towards a path of righteousness and hope," she prayed.
Speaking earlier, the state controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Niger State Command, Mohammed Hamisu Isah, appealed to the graduating inmates to make proper use of the knowledge they acquired while in custody to better their lives, society, and humanity.
He noted that the correctional centre was a reformatory home, urging members of the public not to look down on inmates, stating that by looking down on them, it would make them stigmatised.
Seventeen inmates, among them five females, graduated from reciting the glorious Quran, and certificates were presented to them.