Deputy Superintendent of Corrections , Mrs Nsikan Blessings Gabriel has unveiled her second book, "Stars Behind the Bars". The bo...
Deputy Superintendent of Corrections , Mrs Nsikan Blessings Gabriel has unveiled her second book, "Stars Behind the Bars". The book launch attracted the egg-heads in the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS)
From left: CC Iweh (rtd.), Dr. Ofobrukweta, CC Dr Oduntun (rtd), Mohammed, Gabriel, the author, Blessings, DCG ATajudeen,(rtd), DCC Nkem, ACG Ailewon (rtd), DCC Obiosio, and Pastor Popoola at the event
'Why society must partner government on integration of prison inmates'
Stakeholders in the criminal justice sector converged in Lagos last week for the unveiling of a book, Stars Behind Bars. The event which held at Ago Palace Way, Isolo area of Lagos attracted among others serving and retired senior members of the Nigeria Correction Service (NCS) and civil society groups.
They urged members of the society to partner with the government to ensure successful integration of inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Centres after they have regained their freedom.
They included Mr. James Iweh, Controller of Corrections (CC) rtd.,Dr. Dora Ofobrukweta, Dr Seye Oduntun (CC)rtd, an officer of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), A.A Mohammed, Deputy Controller General of Corrections (rtd) DCG Aremu Tajudeen, Deputy Controller of Correction (DCC) Ezendu Nkem, Assistant Controller General (ACG) Noel Ailewon rtd, Deputy Controller of Correction (DCC) Obiosio Comfort, Officer in-Charge of Prisons, Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Ariyo Popoola and Founder and Executive Director of Prisoner's Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) Dr. Uju Agomoh who was represented by Ifunanya Igbokwe and husband of the author, Umoh Nsikan Gabriel amongst others.
How to integrate ex-prison inmates
Deputy Superintendent of Corrections , Mrs Nsikan Blessings Gabriel implored the Nigerian society to join hands with the government and the Correctional Service and be a part of "Reformation, Rehabilitation and the Reintegration" of inmates back to a safe community.
"I want you to know that if you ignore inmates reintegration process, they will return to be your neighbors, friends, business partners, church members, clients, our children friends, and even spouse", she said.
Worry over long adjournments
The Correction officer also urged the judiciary to look into long adjournment of cases while suggesting that minor cases should be settled out of court.
Case for Restorative Justice
She made a case for more adoption of Restorative Justice and for the justice system to embrace more of non-custodian measures to reduce prison congestion.
Case for married women
Mrs Gabriel made a case for married women serving various terms of imprisonment in various correction centres across the country.
According to her: "there should be an intervention for married female inmates in as such that their marriages will be saved by making the men realize that if the tables were turned, the women will wait for them .
"Most of these women suffer from the fear of loosing their homes because everyone deserves a second chance", she enthused.
Why prison inmates must must not give up
There is however, difference in kind, when we consider the imprisonment enforced by the sentence of the court upon a citizen who is suspected or convicted of a breach of law.
The place where such a person is confined is the prison and this institution, the custodial center, is not a place where destinies are caged, wasted or destroyed, but a place filled with love and compassion to accept the rejected, guide and change the misguided, give hope and comfort to the ruined by the force of personality confident and leadership.
The author also encouraged inmates of the correction centres not to give up as there is hope for them.
"My message to these stars behind bar is that they should not be idle while at the correctional service. Idleness brings depression and most times suicidal thoughts but if they are engaged with the different programs that are available, they will be out before they know what is happening.
Why 'Stars behind Bars '
She explained further that her motive for authoring the book is "to ensure that the inmates grab all the opportunities that are available and have been provided by the Nigerian Correctional
Service centres.
"We have educational and skill acquisition programs for those who are not too learned. I believe if they have education or skills, it will go along way to help them out of poverty."
The Controller General of Corrections, (CGC) Haliru Nababa represented by DCC Nkem described the book as a laudable achievement by a staff of the Nigerian Correction Service.
She expressed confidence that the book will go a long way to help the staff and the public at large to know what the Correctional Service is doing to curb crimes by reforming the inmates behind the bars so that when they come out, they are like stars shining in the society.
Book a masterpiece
A former inmate of Ikoyi Correction Centre, Udeme Udom, who reviewed the book described it as a masterpiece and a must read by all.
Udom who was in custody for five years during which he attended court 32 times and got no judgement before he was granted freedom said he was captivated with the content that he had to read book twice. He stressed that it is a life changer for inmates.
He said prison was not a bad place but where offenders are kept for reformation.
Founder and Executive Director, Prisoner's Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) Dr. Uju Agomoh who said there are a lot of challenges out there and that what makes a person stands out is to look at the challenges, break the barriers and surmount those challenges.
Dr Agomoh who was represented by Ifunanya Igbokwe said Blessings Gabriel is one of the persons they depend on to deliver their projects in the prison.
According to Igbokwe, "she came highly recommended and she delivered. We don’t joke with her in our organization, because of the level of commitment she has put into her job.
"She has taken the job as a mission on what she has been called to do. She is a reliable person to work with and she stands out among others."
Pastor Ariyo popoola, Coordinator for Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG) for the Prisons, also a former inmate of Ikoyi Correction Centre said that he went back to affecting lives back in prison.
Pastor Popoola said he came across author while on his job in prisons and that her attitude is not just of that of an officer, but that she has taken it as a missionary work and that she was doing the work not just behind the bar.
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