The event, held at the Dukpa Correction Farm Centre, brought together stakeholders in the criminal justice system, including the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani; and representatives of Hope Behind Bars Africa, a non-profit organisation committed to legal aid, justice reform, and inmate reintegration.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ogah emphasized the importance of structured reintegration programmes in reducing recidivism and promoting productive citizenship among formerly incarcerated persons.
He noted that the Farming Justice Project aligns with ongoing legislative and institutional efforts to reform Nigeria’s correctional system.
“This initiative is a practical step toward ensuring that individuals leaving correctional facilities are not left without support. By equipping them with the means to engage in agriculture, we are creating pathways for self-reliance and dignity,” Ogah stated.
The Reintegration Support Award is designed to assist beneficiaries in acquiring essential farm inputs after successfully completing a one-month post-release reintegration programme. The initiative underscores a growing recognition of agriculture as a viable tool for economic empowerment and social reintegration.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Hope Behind Bars Africa, Funke Adeoye, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting justice-involved individuals through legal assistance and rehabilitation-focused programmes. She highlighted the need for sustained collaboration between government institutions and civil society to build a more inclusive and restorative justice system.
Other officials present commended the initiative, describing it as a model for effective reintegration strategies that combine policy support with practical empowerment.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards to beneficiaries, marking another step in efforts to bridge the gap between incarceration and successful re-entry into society.
