The Wife of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has reassured inmates of the Arochukwu Correctional Facility of their worth and continued relevance in society, describing correctional centres as places of reformation rather than rejection.
Speaking through the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka, Mrs. Otti encouraged the inmates to embrace positive change and shun actions that could lead to reoffending. She emphasized that the correctional system is designed to prepare inmates for a more productive and responsible life after custody.
Mrs. Nwaka expressed confidence that the inmates would emerge renewed and better equipped to contribute meaningfully to society, adding that the visit was meant to assure them that they are not abandoned or forgotten.
In her remarks, the Controller of the Abia State Correctional Facility, Mrs. Nwanyanwu Ifeoma Blessing, commended Mrs.
Otti for her consistent compassion and unwavering support for inmates across the state. She described the Wife of the Governor as a dependable partner of the correctional system, noting that her interventions cut across several facilities in Abia State.
According to her, such interventions include skill acquisition programmes, provision of food items, cash assistance and reading materials, all aimed at rehabilitation and successful reintegration of inmates. She expressed gratitude for the cash and food items donated during the visit, noting that the gesture would significantly improve the welfare and feeding of inmates.
Meanwhile, the Abia State Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of vulnerable citizens across the state.
This assurance was conveyed on behalf of Mrs. Otti by the Commissioner, Dr. Aghukwa, during humanitarian visits to the Amaudo Mental Health Facility in Itumbauzo and the Uzuakoli Leprosy Settlement.
Addressing residents during a church service at the Amaudo Mental Health Facility, Dr. Aghukwa conveyed the goodwill and motherly concern of the Wife of the Governor, assuring them that they remain an important part of the government’s social responsibility agenda.
She stressed that the present administration is driven by empathy, inclusion and respect for human dignity, adding that governance must extend to those in special care institutions.
She explained that the distribution of food items and essential supplies formed part of the government’s effort to ensure that vulnerable populations feel supported and valued. Dr. Aghukwa also highlighted the ongoing construction of the access road to the facility, describing it as a long-overdue intervention that reflects the administration’s responsiveness to genuine needs.
The Very Reverend Ken Nwaubani, who presided over the church service and received the donated items, thanked Governor Alex C. Otti and his wife for their consistent concern for the facility. He noted that the road project has eased years of hardship and restored dignity to residents and caregivers, while offering prayers for the state leadership.
The delegation later visited the Uzuakoli Leprosy Settlement, where similar humanitarian assistance was extended.
Addressing residents, Dr. Aghukwa reaffirmed that the administration remains focused on rebuilding Abia through investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education and social welfare, assuring that no group would be left out.
Receiving the delegation, Reverend Emeka expressed appreciation to the Governor and his wife, describing the visit as reassuring and hope-inspiring. He commended the administration for demonstrating compassionate and responsive leadership.
The visits concluded with prayers for Governor Alex C. Otti and Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, as beneficiaries received the items with gratitude, describing the outreach as a clear demonstration of humane and inclusive governance taking root in Abia State.
