The Bayelsa State Government has commended the Estive John Sambo Foundation for facilitating and equipping a special study centre of the National Open University of Nigeria at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okaka, Yenagoa.
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Honourable Gentle Emelah, gave the commendation at the commissioning ceremony of the facility on Tuesday, and urged inmates to embrace good conduct and take advantage of the educational and vocational opportunities available at the centre to improve their lives.
Chairperson of the Estive John Sambo Foundation, Mrs. Esther Oyiye John-Sambo, and the Foundation's Life Patron, Barrister John Sambo, Director of Domestic Affairs, Government House, said the project, which includes a classroom block, computers, desks, and teaching materials, was established in memory of their late matriarch, Mrs. Ebisinde Sambo, to promote personal growth, dignity and self-improvement among inmates.
The foundation also awarded full scholarships to five inmates and encouraged them to make good use of the opportunity.
Mrs. John Sambo expressed appreciation to Governor Douye Diri, the National Open University of Nigeria, the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Controller-General of Corrections, the officer in charge of the custodial centre, partners and supporters for helping to realise the project.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, Professor Olufemi Peters, represented by the Registrar, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, and the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, represented by the Bayelsa State Controller of Corrections, Controller Baranaye Spiff, described the initiative as a major contribution to rehabilitation through education, noting that correctional facilities should serve as centres of reform, renewed hope and prosperity.
The event featured the official commissioning and a novelty football match involving inmates.
Among dignitaries at the ceremony were the member representing Yenagoa Constituency One in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Honourable Ayebanengiyefa Egba; the Commissioner for Environment, Honourable Ebi Ben Ololo; and the Controller of the Federal Fire Service in Bayelsa State, ACF News Ditton Amos, among others.