TheCable

The ministry of women affairs is set to initiate a scheme to empower female inmates in correctional facilities nationwide.

In a statement on Friday, Uju Kennedy, minister of women affairs, said many female inmates have been producing different commodities.

In August 2023, the minister paid a visit to the female inmates at the Suleja correctional centre in Niger state.

The minister said she facilitated the release of 92 female prisoners in custody over crimes requiring little money to be set free.

“I was touched by the challenges some of the female inmates were facing, some of whom have been awaiting trial for offences that require between N10,000.00 to N15,000.00 to regain their freedom,” the statement reads.

“On further engagement with the officers at the centre, the ministry paid and facilitated the release of 92 female inmates including the male inmates.

“I was also excited to see their potential even while being incarcerated as the female inmates produce soaps, detergent, and Dettol, including sewing of fabrics and the ministry resolved to initiate a scheme that will empower them sustainably through the provision of industrial machines and other modern machines to upscale the production of soaps, detergent and other items.

“With the E-market portal which we just unveiled, the ministry will further partner with your agency to onboard female inmates across the country to benefit from the scheme as their products will be uploaded with bank details and other relevant information that will enable them to receive payment for their products and services and with this arrangement, they will save enough money that will provide meaningful means of livelihood that will discourage them from going back to criminality when they complete their jail terms.”

The minister added that she has partnered with the governors’ forum to establish a mobile court for adjudicating gender-based violence cases across all states and the federal capital territory (FCT).