International Women’s Day: Kwara Correctional Service promotes empowerment of women in custody

By Ahmed AbdulFatai

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kwara State Command, on Thursday commemorated the 2026 International Women’s Day with female inmates at the Female Wing of the old Ilorin Custodial Centre, Okekura, in Ilorin.

The celebration, themed “Give to Gain,” was organised under the leadership of the State Controller of Corrections, Tolorunshagba Femi Emmanuel, as part of efforts to promote the dignity, empowerment and rehabilitation of women in custody.

This was contained in a statement made available to THE PRIME NEWS and signed by the ‎Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kwara State Command, ‎CSC Adegbulugbe Philip Olumide (anipr) on Thursday

The programme was held in collaboration with the Officer in Charge of the custodial centre, Assistant Controller of Corrections, Olumuyiwa Omole.

Among dignitaries present were Chief (Mrs) Funkẹ Balogun, a legal practitioner and member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kwara State chapter; Dr (Mrs) Tolu Fákáyòdé of the Healthy Family Initiative; and the Gender Officer of the Command, DSC Asha Ifechukwude T.J., who represented the State Controller of Corrections at the event.

In her presentation, Chief Balogun emphasised the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day within custodial facilities, noting that such initiatives help to uphold the dignity and wellbeing of female inmates.

According to her, the programme provides an avenue for counselling, encouragement and the development of positive values that support rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

She also explained that the celebration helps to raise awareness about the rights and welfare of women while motivating inmates to participate in skill acquisition and personal development programmes available within the custodial centre.

In his remarks, the Officer in Charge of the facility, ACC Omole, commended the guest speakers, participants and the leadership of the Kwara State Command for their continued support toward initiatives aimed at empowering women in custody.

He reiterated that the custodial centre remains committed to the core mandate of the Nigerian Correctional Service, which includes safe custody, humane treatment, rehabilitation and successful reintegration of inmates into society.

Omole further encouraged the female inmates to take full advantage of the educational and vocational training opportunities provided by the Service so they can become productive members of society upon their release.

A message delivered on behalf of the State Controller of Corrections, Tolorunshagba Femi Emmanuel, highlighted that the observance of International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the need to promote gender equality, respect human dignity and support women in all circumstances.

The Controller reaffirmed the commitment of the Kwara State Command to improving the welfare of inmates through programmes designed to encourage personal transformation and positive behavioural change.

The event featured a series of activities including seminars, health awareness sessions, skills exhibitions and creative expression programmes aimed at inspiring and empowering the female inmates.

These activities provided a platform for learning, self-development and talent discovery, helping to prepare inmates for a smoother reintegration into society.

The celebration ended with a renewed pledge by correctional officers and stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that promote the rehabilitation, dignity and empowerment of women in custody.