The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, has lamented the anguish and challenges many youths face in correctional facilities across the country.
Obi visits Onitsha Prison, laments youths languishing in Correctional Center
He expressed that a caring society, led by responsible leaders, would have engaged the youths differently to help prevent crime. Obi, who donated some cash to each of the inmates, remarked that seeing these youths in their productive years behind bars is deeply painful.
Peter Obi’s Visit to Onitsha Correctional Center: A Call for Youth Rehabilitation and Hope
Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, recently visited the Onitsha Correctional Center, where he expressed deep concern over the condition of young inmates. During the visit, Obi lamented the fate of many young people who find themselves behind bars, particularly those in their productive years. He emphasized that a truly caring society, with responsible leadership, should have done more to prevent these youths from turning to crime. His comments resonated with the growing need for systemic change in how the country addresses youth engagement, crime prevention, and rehabilitation.
Obi’s visit to the facility was not only a chance to voice his concerns but also a moment to provide tangible support to those incarcerated. As part of his visit, he donated cash to each of the inmates, offering them a token of support during the difficult period of their lives. In his address to the inmates, Obi shared that it was painful for him to witness young people, who should be building their futures, instead being held in correctional facilities. He expressed hope that through the right programs, education, and reforms, many of these young individuals could be reintegrated into society as productive members, rather than being lost to crime.
The visit also highlighted Obi’s broader stance on the importance of youth development and rehabilitation. He called for a national conversation about the way society views and treats its young people, urging that prevention should be prioritized over punishment. Obi stressed the need for better educational programs, skills training, and job opportunities that would keep youths away from criminal activities. His message was clear: the failure to address the root causes of youth crime would only lead to further societal problems.
Obi’s visit coincided with an important development in the correctional system. Plans have been finalized for the Ona Correctional Center to serve as a center for Open University beginning in January 2025. This initiative aims to provide educational opportunities for inmates, enabling them to earn degrees and qualifications that could help them reintegrate into society upon release. Obi expressed his support for this initiative, seeing it as a step in the right direction for rehabilitating inmates and giving them a second chance.
In conclusion, Peter Obi’s visit to the Onitsha Correctional Center was a significant moment in his ongoing advocacy for youth empowerment and prison reform. His message resonated with both the inmates and the broader public, emphasizing the need for a compassionate approach to governance and justice, where rehabilitation takes precedence over punishment.
This comes as arrangements have been concluded for the Onisha Correctional Center to serve as a center for Open University, starting in January 2025, following its agreement with the Open Air University of Nigeria. Meanwhile, the Catholic Archbishop of Onisha, His Grace Most Reverend Valerian Ok, presented a “One Life” card and distributed gifts to the inmates to allow them to celebrate Christmas, just like others who have their freedom. for more details visit vos tv youtube channel. thanks for visiting, our team publish story every day for your Konsumtion.
