CAPIO Sensitizes and Presents Personal Protective Equipment To Ebonyi State Command of the Nigeria Correcional Service
Recall that as part of CAPIOs’ emergency response to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among inmates in the various Custodial centers of the Nigerian Correctional Service, CAPIO through the funding support from Misean Cara/Irish Aid, procured and presented personal protective equipment (PPE) worth millions of Naira to Enugu and FCT Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service on the 11th of June, 2020. In a bid to reach out to other Custodial Centres in Nigeria, CAPIO presented personal protective gear to Ebonyi State Command on Wednesday 12th August 2020. CAPIO team Led by Rev. Father Ambrose Ekeroku, OCD was warmly received by the Controller of Corrections Ebonyi State Command, Mrs. E. A. Oputa in the company of the Officer-in-Charge of Afipko Medium Security Custodial Center, Steven Aneke (Chief Supretendent). In her welcome address, the Controller pointed out CAPIO’s interventions to inmates in the Command over the years, which includes paying for West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE), presentation of welfare packages among others.
Following the welcome address of the Controller of Ebonyi State Command, was the opening remark by the Executive Director of CAPIO, Rev. Father Ambrose Ekeroku OCD, who gave an overview of the organization.
He specifically pointed out that the sensitization campaign was geared towards increasing the capacity of Correctional Officers and inmates to prevent the spread of the dreaded novel virus currently ravaging the human race. Speaking further, he disclosed the establishment of the Centre of Hope which is under construction. He stated that once the facility is completed, it will facilitate the rehabilitation of returned citizens (ex-inmates) by equipping them with relevant skills to enhance their employability, thereby reducing the incidence of crime and recidivism in the society. The Executive Director, CAPIO used the avenue to call on States’ Chief Judges to decongest Custodial Centres through jail delivery exercise.
The climax of the event was the sensitization of Correctional Officers and inmates on COVID-19 prevention. Dr. Kalu – the Medical Director of Ebonyi State Command conducted this excercise. The participants who listened with rapt attention sought clarifications on the peculiarity of the virus and how it affects them uniquely. This was immediately followed by the presenatation of the following items:
- Infrared thermometer – 2 pcs
- Reusable facemasks – 1,000 pcs
- Hand sanitizer – 120 Liters
- Handgloves – 50 packets
- Toilet soap – 20 cartons
A vote of thanks was said by an inmate, who appreciated CAPIO for all her numerous support and expressed anticipation to have the Centre of Hope in operation soon. Distribution of the presented items was done evenly between Abakiliki and Afipko Custodial Centres, respectively.
CAPIO staff and management wish to use this medium to appreciate Misean Cara/Irish Aid for funding this intervention.
Published news could be accessed through:
https://www.punchynews.com/ngo-donates-ppes-to-nigerian-correctional-service/
