By Martin Nwoko
An illustrious son of Imo state, who hails from Mbaitoli LGA but resides in the United States of America (USA), Engr. Samuel Ude, has taken steps towards ameliorating the challenges facing the Imo State Command of Nigerian prisons, in managing the inmates, whose number has surpassed the original capacity of the prison house.
Engr. Samuel Ude who was received by the Deputy Controller, Nigerian Prisons, Mr. Oduntan Seye stated that, his visit was to ascertain the condition of inmates in order to fashion out ways some Igbo organizations based in the United States of America, could partner with the prison command in ensuring that individuals, both males and females under their custody, are well taken care of, most especially putting them through vocational training.
Engr. Ude is the president, Imo Association, Tennesse, Leader House of Delegates and President, Mbaitoli People’s Congress all in the USA, among other organizations which he is also a member.
In his response, the D.C.P Nigerian Prisons, Imo State Command Owerri, Mr Odunta Seye, expressed happiness at the visit of Engr. Samuel Ude. He stated that before now, Nigerian Prisons gates were shut against people from accessing the inmates, but now, the gates are wide open for anyone that wants to partner or contribute towards uplifting the standard of living of prison inmates, stressing that government cannot handle it alone.
Mr Odunta thereafter took Engr. Ude and other delegates that accompanied him, for a facility tour.
The Mbaitoli born philanthropist stated that, in developed countries, individuals and organizations step in to support the government in taking care of people, in such condition.
He urged all well meaning individuals in the society, to see it as a point of duty to come to the aid of the less privileged and prison inmates, so as to give them a sense of belonging and further make the society more habitable.
Among persons that accompanied Engr Ude to the prison is the Asa Igbo 2018/2019 beauty queen who had also earlier indicated interest in supporting the prison authority especially in ensuring that the female inmates in the command are rehabilitated.
