NSCC partners Correctional Service to support welfare of aged inmates

The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), says it will partnership with the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in supporting the welfare of aged inmates.

Dr Emem Omokaro, the Director General of the Centre, said this on Tuesday in Abuja, during a meeting with the acting Comptroller General of the NCoS, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche.

Omokaro said that the partnership became imperative; in order to address the welfare issues affecting older persons in correctional centres across the country.

She explained that the welfare packages for the older inmates would include training them in their specific areas of need, as well as bringing them medical outreaches and other social welfare to improve their wellbeing.

The NSCC director general who expressed concern over the pathetic conditions of aged inmates in correctional facilities, also called for urgent action to support them.

She said a technical working team would be set up with a view to undertaking a need assessment and articulating the priority areas for the training.

Omokaro added that the mandate of the NSCC was to cater for the welfare of older persons including those in the correctional facilities, hence the need to initiate programmes that would promote their wellbeing.

”The Technical Working Group is expected to structure and initiate impactful programmes that will address the specific needs of inmates at the Nigeria correctional facilities who are 60 years and above,” she said.

In his response, Nwakuche thanked the director general for identifying with the NCoS and expressed readiness to support all efforts towards improving the quality of life and wellbeing of inmates.