The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Oyo state command, Thursday called on Nigerians and inmates never to use poverty as an excuse to go into crime.
The officer in-charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre, Agodi, Ibadan, Assistant Controller of Corrections, Adekunbi Sunday, gave the advice at a debate organised for inmates at the centre Thursday in Ibadan.
The debate was organised in collaboration with Bin Tanko Rehabilitation and Reintegration Initiative (BTRRl) and Jelitop Skills and Empowerment Development Association (J-SEDA).
Sunday said there was absolutely no justification for anyone to commit crime as a result of being poor or going through tough situations in the country.
He cited an example of late Chief Moshood Abiola and some other Nigerians who came from poor backgrounds but did not go into crime to become great men and women in Nigeria.
“My message to Nigerians and inmates is that poverty has never been, and will never be an excuse to commit a crime,” he said.
The officer said the aim of the debate was to develop sound thinking, empathy and confidence in the inmates for them to become responsible citizens after leaving the facility and to contribute positively to their communities.
He said the mission of NCoS was to rehabilitate, reform and integrate inmates into the society as positive contributors.
On her part, the Founder of BTRRI, Mrs Nana Tanko, said the debate would help empower the inmates and positively influence their mentality as well as their overall life perspectives.
Tanko said many of the inmates found themselves at the facility as a result of poor decisions and negative influences.
“We are trying to help them understand why they should avoid such paths and realize that those choices do not solve anything,” she said.
(NAN)