Gov Otu, Wife Ask Inmates Not To Lose Hope

As part of the ways to encourage those serving different jail terms at Calabar Correctional Centre at Afokang in Cross River State notwithstanding the fact that, Eid-el-Kabir celebrations is ongoing, the state governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu has urged inmates at the correctional facility not to give up as he is not lost.

Otu made the remarks yesterday while speaking with inmates at the Afokang Correctional Centre Càlabar, to identify with the inmates during the Sallah festivities and to encourage them not to lose hope.

Accompanied by his wife, Eyoawan on Sallah visit to felicitate with the inmates the state chief executive said urged the inmates not to give up as they still have the opportunity to do well in life.

Advising the inmates shortly after donating an undisclosed amount of cash, toiletries, and food for the inmates, the Otu’s wife told them that life does not begin and ends up in prison custody.

Otu said, “We are all in the world, sometimes we experience bad, sometimes good.

“I am here to assure you that all hope is not lost. We decided to come and celebrate here with you because you deserve it.

Also addressing the inmates, Otu’s wife who organised the event, stated that the visit is  aimed at giving the inmates a sense of belonging and to share the love as exemplified by the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim.

The governor’s wife said it was her own way of sharing love to the inmates and to encourage them that being in prison is not the end of the road for them.

Earlier, the controller of Nigerian Corrections Centre, Cross River State Command, Mr. Adeyinka Adebayo, expressed appreciation to the governor and his wife for the visit.

Adebayo stated that the Afokang Prisons has a total of 573 inmates, with 67 on death row and pleaded with the governor to assist in providing some basic needs for upkeep of the prison facility.

“Let me say a very big thank you to Your Excellencies for making time to visit us. 99 percent of the Inmates we have here are from Cross River State.

“From what you have seen here, you will agree with me that inside here there are enormous potentials as displayed here. It is our prayer that you will please extend the dividends of democracy to us here,” he maintained.