The minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has inaugurated the Kaduna Open Custodial Facility, now renamed the ‘Reformed Bakery,’ as part of efforts to enhance inmate rehabilitation through vocational training and skills acquisition.

Speaking at the inauguration on Saturday in Kaduna, the minister said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the reintegration of inmates into society.

He stated that the unveiling of  the facility marked a shift toward a correctional model that prioritises education, vocational training, and rehabilitation.

“This facility represents a shift in our correctional approach, one centred on education, vocational training, and reintegration.

“It is the only open custodial facility in Nigeria and now better equipped to prepare inmates for life beyond incarceration,“ he said.

Mr Tunji-Ojo emphasised that correctional reforms are essential to reducing stigma and dependency among former inmates.

On his part, Sylvester Nwakuche, the controller-general of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), said the centre previously served as a transitional facility for inmates nearing their release.

The NCoS boss was represented by retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin, the secretary to the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).

He described the facility as not just a prison, but a place where inmates would be transformed into productive citizens.

Mr Nwakuche explained that the facility currently offers vocational training in baking, poultry, piggery, and farming, alongside academic programmes through the National Open University of Nigeria.

“Inmates here interact with the public under supervision, gaining skills and education that will ease their reintegration,“ he added.

In his remarks, chairman of Tamidan Nigeria Ltd, Tijjani Dantata, said the company partnered with the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) under its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative for the establishment of the facility.

Mr Dantata stated that the bakery can process 200kg of flour every 30 minutes, yielding up to 400 loaves per cycle.

He added that the initiative would be expanded to include livestock and poultry projects, aimed at further empowering inmates with practical, income-generating skills.

(NAN)