By Giwa SHILE
Immediate past Lagos Zonal Coordinator of Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), Kunle Babalola, has appealed to Lagos State Government to build new prison in Epe/Ikorodu division to assist in prisons decongestion.
Speaking on Tuesday during his disengagement from service, Babalola said the prisons were filled with awaiting trial inmates which compounded the congestion problem.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode to build a prison for the NPS in Ikorodu and Epe axis.
“This will reduce congestion in the existing prisons in Lagos State and relieve the service of the problem connected with it,’’ Babalola said.
Babalola, who retired as Assistant Comptroller General (ACG), thanked the NPS Comptroller General, Ja’afaru Ahmed, for given him the opportunity to serve the country.
He advised serving officers to show highest sense of commitment, dedication and responsibility by avoiding any unwholesome act which could embarrass them and their families.
“Furthermore I want to congratulate NGO’s, security organisations as your partnership with us has been tremendously rewarding,’’ he said.
The outgoing ACG commended the Chief Justice of Lagos State and other stakeholders in the criminal justice system for their regular visits aimed at reducing congestion in prisons.
The Controller of Prisons, Lagos State, MrTunde Ladipo, lauded various prison reforms embarked upon by the NPS Comptroller General which had helped in repositioning the service.
“A lot of inmates are now educated and some even registered for PhD; some have been trained on new skills such as tailoring, theater, shoe making, carpentry and many more,” he said.
Ladipo said the NPS recently won an international award on literacy and training as part of the ongoing reform of the service.
He commended the outgoing ACG for selfless and meritorious service during his time as the Zone A, Commander.
