NEWS
Gov. Otti Reaffirms Support for Correctional Service, Orders Action on Solar-Powered Boreholes in Aba, Arochukwu
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Correctional Service, pledging further interventions to improve custodial facilities, enhance inmates’ welfare and strengthen the operational capacity of the Service across the state.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Thursday when he received the Acting Assistant Controller-General and Zonal Coordinator of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Zone E, Owerri, Imo State, Mrs Ngozi Okereke, who paid him a familiarisation visit at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
The Governor, while congratulating Mrs Okereke on her appointment, assured her of the state government’s continued partnership with the Correctional Service, stressing that although the agency operates under the Federal Government, its activities and welfare responsibilities have significant implications for the people of Abia.
He acknowledged the need for further improvements at the Umuahia, Aba and Arochukwu custodial centres, noting that his administration was systematically addressing infrastructure deficiencies inherited across several public institutions.
A major highlight of the visit was the request for solar-powered boreholes at the Aba and Arochukwu custodial centres. Responding positively, Governor Otti immediately directed the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities to liaise with the Correctional Service and ensure that the request received the necessary attention.
He reiterated that his administration remained committed to supporting federal agencies operating within Abia whenever such interventions would improve service delivery, institutional efficiency and the welfare of personnel and citizens.
Governor Otti also expressed pride in Mrs Okereke’s connection to Abia, welcoming her back to the state and commending indigenes who continue to distinguish themselves through meaningful contributions to national development. He wished her success in her new assignment, expressing confidence in her ability to deliver effectively.
Earlier, Mrs Okereke, who supervises the Correctional Service commands in Abia and Imo States, explained that the visit was to formally introduce herself to the Governor and officially announce her assumption of duty as the new Zonal Coordinator.
She expressed profound appreciation to the Otti administration for its consistent interventions in the Correctional Service, particularly in addressing infrastructure deficits, overcrowding in custodial facilities and staff welfare challenges.
According to her, the Abia State Government had constructed a one-storey building comprising six additional cells to ease congestion in the custodial facilities. She also commended the government for providing a fully furnished official residence for the State Controller of Corrections and installing two solar-powered boreholes at the Umuahia Custodial Centre to address persistent water supply challenges.
The Acting Zonal Coordinator disclosed that the Correctional Service currently has an inmate population of 3,799 across its facilities, with Abia accounting for the larger share, underscoring the importance of sustained government support in improving the conditions of custodial centres.
She consequently appealed for the extension of the solar-powered borehole initiative to the Aba and Arochukwu custodial centres to guarantee reliable access to water for inmates and correctional personnel.
Mrs. Okereke further praised Governor Otti for providing a brand-new 2025 Toyota Hilux operational vehicle for the State Command, while disclosing that other operational vehicles had also been captured for rehabilitation and refurbishment to improve the Service’s mobility and efficiency.
Describing herself as a proud daughter of Arochukwu and a daughter of Abia by marriage, she applauded the Governor’s developmental strides and revealed that the Controller-General of Corrections had equally expressed appreciation for the state government’s interventions.
In a further demonstration of the administration’s impact on the Correctional Service, the Squadron Commander, Armed Squad, Abia State Command, CSC Ugochukwu Oduh, who delivered the vote of thanks, highlighted several interventions by the state government.
These included the rehabilitation of the previously failed perimeter wall at the Aba Custodial Centre, construction of the one-storey building with six additional cells, provision of beds and mattresses, and the donation of a new operational vehicle.
He observed that the government’s sustained support had significantly improved the working environment for correctional officers and made Abia an increasingly attractive destination for personnel seeking postings.
He assured Governor Otti of the continued cooperation and support of the Nigerian Correctional Service in the state.
The visit further highlighted the growing partnership between the Abia State Government and federal security institutions, with the Otti administration demonstrating that its commitment to public safety and institutional development extends beyond agencies directly
controlled by the state government.