HOW I OVERCAME: Female Inmates: Forgetting The Weight Of Confinement

It was a moment of joy and reflection for female inmates at the old custodial facility in Ilorin, Kwara State, when the authorities organised a special programme to mark International Women’s Day with them.

The event, held at the female wing of the Old Ilorin Custodial Centre in Ilorin, was put together by the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kwara State Command and had the theme “Give to Gain.” It brought smiles and renewed hope to many of the inmates who participated in the series of activities.

It was an ecstatic moment as officials of the correctional service, invited guests and volunteers, joined the inmates to mark the global day dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements, highlighting their challenges and advocating for gender equality.

Representatives of the command emphasised that the occasion was not only to celebrate women but also to remind the inmates that their lives still hold value and opportunities for positive transformation despite their current circumstances.

The programme featured motivational talks, prayers, counselling sessions and interactive discussions aimed at encouraging the inmates to embrace self-reflection and personal reform. Some participants also shared emotional testimonies about their experiences, expressing gratitude to the correctional authorities for remembering them during the celebration.

For many of the female inmates, the event created a sense of belonging and dignity often missing within correctional facilities. They expressed appreciation for the show of care, noting that such gestures inspire them to remain hopeful and committed to becoming better individuals when they return to society.

Officials of the correctional centre said activities such as the International Women’s Day celebration form part of the ongoing efforts to promote rehabilitation rather than mere punishment within correctional institutions.

They added that the correctional service remains committed to programmes that support inmates’ emotional wellbeing, skills development and reintegration into society after serving their sentences.

The colourful gathering ended with goodwill messages, distribution of gifts and group photographs, leaving many of the inmates visibly excited and uplifted.

For a few hours inside the walls of the custodial centre, the women forgot the weight of confinement and joined millions of others across the world in celebrating womanhood, resilience and hope for a better future.