By Ijeoma Agbafo
The Rotary Club of Kano has empowered 70 inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kano with vocational training as part of efforts to support their rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.
The programme was organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kano State Command, with beneficiaries receiving certificates after completing training in tailoring and other vocational skills.
According to the NCoS Command Public Relations Officer, Musbahu Lawan, the 2026/2027 District Governor of Rotary International District 9127, Nigeria, Sikiru Adetona-Owonikoko, said the initiative reflected Rotary’s commitment to humanitarian service and sustainable empowerment.
He noted that support for custodial centres should extend beyond material donations to include practical skills that could enable inmates to become self-reliant and rebuild their lives after their release.
Adetona-Owonikoko said the Rotary Club had, within the past year, donated a modern sewing machine to the custodial centre to strengthen vocational training. He commended the beneficiaries for their dedication to learning despite their circumstances and reaffirmed Rotary’s commitment to initiatives focused on inmate welfare, rehabilitation, skills acquisition and reintegration.
The First Lady of District 9127, Hajia Zainab Owonikoko, also expressed satisfaction with the participation of female inmates, saying vocational skills would improve their chances of becoming self-reliant and supporting their families after release.
The President of Rotary Club Kano, Kamaldeen Salaudeen, urged members of the public to patronise products made through vocational programmes at the custodial centre, saying such support would encourage inmates and strengthen the rehabilitation process.
He added that the club had facilitated the release of some inmates convicted of minor offences by paying applicable fines, thereby giving deserving individuals an opportunity to reintegrate into society.
The Kano Command Controller of Corrections, Ahmed Yusuf-Lakpene, represented by the Officer-in-Charge of Kurmawa Custodial Centre, DCC Ibrahim Isah-Rambo, appreciated Rotary for its sustained support towards inmate rehabilitation. He said the initiative was consistent with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, which provides for education, vocational training and other programmes to prepare inmates for responsible living after discharge.
He added that the partnership supported the service’s reform and rehabilitation agenda by promoting skills acquisition and reintegration, which could help reduce recidivism and contribute to safer and more productive communities.
