FIRC Project

Building on CAPIO project in Suleja Custodial Centre which trained female inmates on the production of reusable sanitary pads, Voice Nigeria signed a contract with FIRC while CAPIO provides technical support for the implementation of “Enhancing Self-sufficiency and Healthy Rehabilitation of Women and Girls Inmates in Nigeria”. This project is implemented in Enugu and Lagos Custodial centres.

With the need for project ownership and to build on existing structure, the FIRC, Voice Nigeria, and CAPIO team paid a courtesy visit to the Enugu state Controller of Corrections on 6th October 2022, to inform him about the project and solicit the support of his office for effective implementation as well as, sustainability of the project. The team was received by the Enugu State Controller of Corrections Mr. Nicholas Obiako were assured of his support for the project and its sustainability.

A cross-section of FIRC project team and Officers of Nigerian Correctional Service Lagos state command

In the same vein, FIRC and CAPIO team visited the Lagos State Controller of Corrections on the 16th of November 2022. The Controller of Corrections -Mr. B.N. Freedman was represented by the Deputy Controller Mrs. Comfort Obiosio. The project team equally conducted a courtesy visited to

the female Custodial facility at Kirikiri Apapa Lagos and met with the Deputy Controller of Corrections, the In-Charge of Female Inmates -Mrs Ojeah Esther, appreciated the project team and expressed her wiliness to support the project and see to its success in every way possible.

Building on the advocacy visits to the two Controllers in Lagos and Enugu which are the locations for the project

implementation, FIRC and CAPIO in collaboration with Voice Nigeria conducted a project planning meeting on 23rd November 2022 at Pope John-Paul II Catholic Pastoral Centre in Wuse 2

Abuja. Representatives of the Nigerian Correctional Service Lagos and Enugu State Commands were in attendance, as well as staff of Correctional Headquarters. The project team informed participants that at least 50 female inmates would be trained for 24 days in Enugu and Lagos custodial centres. The project would establish workshops within and outside the custodial centres for inmates and ex-inmates to learn tailor and production of reusable sanitary pad. This will make them not to relapse to crimes and criminality; in that way, they will be equipped and have businesses of their own.