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‎The Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the Justice System to prioritize timely justice delivery, improved response times, and quality services for inmates. Anani made the appeal during the First Lady’s Correctional Initiative, a Programme jointly organized with Better Life Empowerment and Care Foundation (BeliEF and Care), at the Medium Security Centre in Oko, Benin City, to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.
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‎Her Excellency expressed her concerns about the Justice System, particularly the lengthy pre-trial detention periods, which could last up to ten years, violating human rights. She advocated for reforms to ensure timely justice and uphold the system’s integrity. According to her, “I would like to highlight a pressing concern within our justice system. It is disheartening to see individuals spend up to ten years awaiting trial, which I believe is a significant infringement on their fundamental human rights. Today, I want to call attention to the need for reform in our pre-trial detention processes. When people come to court, they deserve justice those who are guilty should be held accountable, and those who are innocent should be cleared. By addressing the issue of prolonged pre-trial detention, we can uphold the integrity of our justice system and ensure that justice is served for all”.
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‎Highlighting the significance of improving the welfare of inmates, Her Excellency stressed that it is crucial that inmates are provided with wholesome meals, adding that they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
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‎She further encouraged inmates to be kind to one another and engage in self-reflection to learn from past mistakes and prepare for a better future.
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‎”To the inmates, I urge you all to be kind to one another. You must treat one another with kindness and respect. It is very important, because first of all, we are human and we are created equally. Most importantly, your being here is a time for sober reflection. You want to sit down and reflect on the things that brought you here and for some of you, you were brought here illegally. So these are the things that the justice system should look into. But for those that came here because of one thing or another, look inward. Have a sober reflection. Your present situation doesn’t define your future.
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‎”Think about, what do I want to do when I leave here? How can I be a better person? Because you can only be, when you have that sober reflection, that’s when you now become a better person. This system here is preparing you to be a better person. So that when you leave here, you will be reintegrated back into the society without any form of discrimination at all”. She said.
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‎Anani further reaffirmed the State Government’s dedication to delivering high-quality education and healthcare services to inmates, aligning with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s “SHINE Agenda,” which prioritizes education, empowerment, and healthcare for all. She underscored the Government’s efforts to protect inmates’ rights and dignity, ensuring they receive the support they need.
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‎The Deputy Comptroller of the Correctional Centre, Oko, DCC. Henry Eromosele, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests and expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for the opportunity to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary. He highlighted that the centre, which currently houses 1,381 inmates, remains steadfast in its commitment to rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration, while also acknowledging the crucial role of stakeholders’ support in augmenting inmate training and development programmes.
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‎He highlighted the Centre’s initiatives in skill acquisition programmes and education, noting that over 200 inmates are currently registered for classes. However, he solicited support in areas such as educational materials, medical treatment, and infrastructure, appealing for assistance to address these challenges and provide operational vehicles to facilitate inmate transportation for court proceedings, thereby enhancing the administration of justice.
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‎The inmates expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Her Excellency, stating that the initiative has had a profound impact on their lives and means a great deal to them. They respectfully pleaded for the sustainability of the programme, emphasizing its importance in improving their well-being and rehabilitation.
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‎The programme featured a diverse range of activities, including captivating drama presentations, a march past competition, amongst others performances by the inmates as well as the presentation of gifts to them by Her Excellency.