The Comptroller General, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Haliru Nababa, says reformation and reintegration of inmates into society is key to having a responsible, empowered and productive citizenry.

Mr Nababa said this on Wednesday while presenting income-generating materials to 25 ex-convicts who acquired vocational skills while serving prison terms.

“The essence of this scheme is to retool ex-offenders, thereby encouraging them to be productive and self-sustaining.

“This remains the best way to keep them away from crime and criminality, making our communities and the country at large safe, as well as a better place for all,” he said.

The comptroller general encouraged the beneficiaries to put the tools to good use and work hard to improve their living conditions and become employers of labour.

Mr Nababa called on well-meaning Nigerians to wholly accept the reformed citizens, patronise their businesses and desist from stigmatising them.

“Ex-offenders, if not treated with special care and support are likely to return to their old ways hence, rekindling their criminal world and endangering society.

“The onus lies on us to break the cycle of criminality by helping ex-offenders to fully embrace better life,” he said.

Earlier, the assistant controller general in charge of welfare, Mustapha Attah, said inmates and those who have completed their terms faced deprivation and stigmatisation from society and their immediate families.

“These people are products of society and are a reflection of society. After their terms, they are expected to return to society but not as social misfits,” he said.

Mr Attah urged the beneficiaries to effectively utilise the materials to add value to themselves and society.

(NAN)