Wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, has commended the Correctional Service Training School Enugu (CSTSE) for strengthening personnel skills.
Mbah said the training was essential for ensuring secure, humane and professional custody within correctional institutions.
She gave the commendation on Thursday during a novelty football match and cultural display organised in honour of Monsignor Prof. Obiora Ike. Ike is the President and Founder of the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP).
The novelty match between the CSTSE Staff Team and 12th DSC Development Course Participants ended in a goalless draw.
Represented by the Enugu State Chairperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Mrs Rita Edeh, Mbah praised the school’s efforts.
She commended its commitment to reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates, while recognising the demands placed on correctional personnel. “Your work requires commitment, discipline and compassion,” she said.
Mbah appreciated the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, and CSTSE Commandant, Controller of Corrections Miriam Mere.
She described their service to Enugu State and Nigeria as commendable, stressing the importance of discipline and compassion in correctional administration.
On the novelty match, Mbah said sporting success was not necessarily determined by the scoreline but by strengthened friendships and unity.
“To our cultural performers, thank you for giving us the opportunity to appreciate the beauty and richness of our heritage,” she said.
Mbah congratulated Ike, praying that he would continue to enjoy strength, wisdom, fulfilment and God’s abundant blessings.
Mere said the event was organised to honour Ike as an icon of social justice, human dignity and institutional transformation.
“For over four decades, through CIDJAP, your unyielding commitment to inmate welfare, free legal aid and restorative justice has reshaped correctional administration,” she said.
She said Ike’s intellectual and structural interventions had strengthened the training school and enhanced its capacity to produce professionally competent correctional officers.
Mere said the cultural performances showcased Nigeria’s diversity, with participants drawn from more than 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
She also commended the NCoS Controller-General for renewed investments in the school and Gov. Peter Mbah for supporting security agencies.
Responding, Ike appreciated the NCoS leadership and Mere for honouring him and CIDJAP with what he described as a “VIP welcome”.
He commended the NCoS for its investment in the school, judicious use of resources and maintenance of the facility.
“As an individual and through CIDJAP, I will continue to support NCoS facilities in any possible way we can,” Ike said. He stressed the need to uphold the dignity and rights of inmates, regardless of whether they had been convicted.
“Whether someone is sentenced or not; first, we must acknowledge that he is a human being,” he said.
Ike announced the invitation of the school to CIDJAP’s 40th anniversary and pledged continued support for the institution.
As part of his support, he donated four water storage tanks towards the Commandant’s ongoing water rehabilitation and reticulation project. He also gave a token to the players and said other avenues of supporting the school would be explored.
Highlights included Ike’s inspection of a guard of honour and presentation of an appreciation plaque recognising his contribution to social justice.
Another appreciation plaque was presented to Rangers International FC Enugu General Manager, Amobi Ezeaku, for promoting inmate rehabilitation and staff development through sports. The event also featured cultural dances performed by course participants representing different ethnic groups.
Others present included Zonal Coordinator, Zone M, NCoS, P.C. Oku, and Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties to the Governor’s Wife, Mrs Chidimma Egeonu.
Also in attendance was Officer-in-Charge of Enugu Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Dr S.A. Igwe, among other dignitaries.
