The wife of the Governor of Niger State, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Umaru Bago, has applauded the Nigeria Correctional Service for the introduction of custodial religious studies in the facility as part of rehabilitation and transformation initiatives for the inmates.
The State’s First Lady made the commendation during the 3rd Qur’anic Graduation of inmates at the Minna Old Custodian Centre, in Anguwan Daji community, over the weekend in Minna
Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Umaru Bago noted that the event was a momentous occasion that promotes the knowledge of Allah through the Quran, which is inculcated into the inmates, just as she expressed her profound appreciation for the commendable initiative undertaken by the Nigeria Correctional Service by introducing Islamic and Christian religious studies within the custodial walls.
She pointed out that the step was aimed at reforming the lives of the inmates and fostering a path towards redemption and renewal. emphasising that the initiative was very thoughtful, visionary, and vital towards the rehabilitation and reformation of the inmates.
She charged the graduates to embrace the opportunity for personal growth and transformation, commending their dedication and commitment to becoming better people.
Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago stated further that the initiative would inspire all, as testaments of inmates’ resilience and determination to become better individuals after their sojourn in the correctional facilities, urging each inmate to turn to God as a source of strength and guidance by strengthening their faith and determination to overcome obstacles and build a future filled with renewed hope and promise.
The state’s first lady explained that the graduation should be a stepping stone towards a new chapter of their lives, marked by positive contributions to the development of the state.
She emphasised that the inmates possess the power to shape a positive future for themselves and, in turn, contribute meaningfully to the progress of society, Niger State, Nigeria, and humanity at large.
Accordingly, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Umaru Bago advised that the Nigeria Correctional Service should align its activities and programmes with the New Niger Agenda, pointing out that, as the wife of the state governor and mother to the state, her dedication to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to enhance the living conditions of all citizens, including those within the custodial walls, would be sacrosanct.
She reiterated her commitment to assist in and support the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society as a whole.
It would, however, be recalled that the office of the Deputy Governor of Niger State was represented by the Press Secretary to the State Deputy Governor, Ummikhaltume Abdullahi Kuta.