By joshua 
BERWO Foundation Releases, Empowers 25 Inmates In Ebonyi
By Our Correspondent, Abakaliki
The better health for rural women, children and internally displaced persons foundation (BERWO) in collaboration with Ebonyi State ministry of justice have released and empowered twenty five inmates at Abakaliki custodian center.
The inmates were released after the wife of Ebonyi State Governor Chief (Mrs) Mary Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru through her pet project BERWO cleared their bail fine.
The Governor’s wife noted that BERWO Foundation had remained committed to humanitarian interventions that restore hope to the vulnerable, noting the initiative is firmly rooted in the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda of the Ebonyi State Governor Rt. Hon. Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, whose administration remains deeply committed to promoting social justice, expanding empowerment opportunities, and ensuring inclusive governance for all citizens.
According to her “As we gathered here for the release and empowerment of inmates, we are reminded that justice must always walk hand-in-hand with compassion, and punishment must be balanced with the opportunity for renewal”
“This initiative, implemented by BERWO Foundation in collaboration with the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice, is founded on a simple but powerful belief: justice must be tempered with mercy, and correction must lead to restoration. Behind the walls of correctional facilities are men and women who, despite their past mistakes, still carry dreams, skills, and the desire to live meaningful and productive lives. Today, 25 of such individuals are stepping out not just into freedom, but into hope, responsibility, and a new beginning”
She noted that BERWO Foundation have remained committed to humanitarian interventions that restore hope to the vulnerable. “At the same time, the Ministry of Justice has ensured that due process, fairness, and the rule of law are upheld throughout this exercise. This partnership reflects a shared vision of justice that promotes healing, rather than harm”
She added that the initiative is firmly rooted in the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda of the Ebonyi State Government, championed by my dear husband, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, whose administration remains deeply committed to promoting social justice, expanding empowerment opportunities, and ensuring inclusive governance for all citizens.
“As First Lady of Ebonyi State, and through my foundation, BERWO, I have consistently advocated for rehabilitation rather than rejection. True correction is not achieved when people are released without support, but when they are empowered with the tools to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society with dignity.
“To our beneficiaries, let me speak to you directly. What you receive today is not a favour, and it is certainly not a reward for wrongdoing. It is an investment in your future and a vote of confidence in your ability to choose a better path. Freedom is meaningful only when it is guided by responsibility, discipline, and a renewed commitment to lawful living. Let today mark the end of old mistakes and the beginning of purposeful living”
“This empowerment package you are receiving today is not charity. It is an investment in your future and in the peace and safety of our communities. It is our way of saying that Ebonyi State believes in you and expects you to rise above your past, embrace positive change, and become responsible citizens who contribute meaningfully to society”.
She, however commend the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice, led by the Attorney General and Commissioner for justice Barr Ben Uruchi Odoh, the leadership and personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Abakaliki Medium Custodial Centre, our legal officers, and all partners whose professionalism and compassion have made this annual programme successful. Your work affirms that justice in Ebonyi State is not only firm, but humane.
She appealed to families, community leaders, employers, and faith-based organizations to embrace and support these individuals. Reintegration thrives in an environment of acceptance. When society opens its arms, transformation becomes possible. When doors are shut, recidivism is encouraged. Let us choose restoration over rejection.
“As we continue this annual tradition, let it serve as a reminder that no one is beyond redemption, and that a compassionate society is a safer and stronger one. To our released inmates, go forth with courage, wisdom, and determination. Let your lives speak louder than your past. Make this second chance count”
Earlier in her remarks, the controller of Abakaliki custodian center Mrs. Angela Chika Igwugwu, described the visit as a rare demonstration of compassion and motherly love.
She extolled the first lady for sustaining the prison outreach as an annual tradition, noting that beyond securing inmates’ freedom, the Governor’s wife has also empowered them with cash and tools to support their reintegration as productive and law-abiding citizens.
“Your acts of kindness have reduced crime, restored hope and made Ebonyi State a safer haven. Your love for humanity will never go unrewarded,” Igwugwu said.
In his address, the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Ben Odoh, described the First Lady as a beacon of hope for the less privileged and a shining example of leadership rooted in compassion.
He lamented that the state’s custodial centres is highly congested, noting that the Abakaliki facility, built to accommodate 387 inmates, currently houses 1,018 inmates, while the Afikpo Custodial Centre holds 187 inmates, bringing the total inmate population in the state to 1,205.
“Out of these, 25 inmates are receiving the gift of freedom today, courtesy of the wife of the Governor,” Odoh said.
He explained that many inmates remained incarcerated solely due to their inability to pay fines attached to their sentences, stressing that Mrs. Nwifuru’s intervention was a practical demonstration of justice tempered with mercy.
Recalling previous interventions, the Attorney General said the First Lady paid fines for 68 inmates in 2023 and 41 inmates in 2024, all of whom were empowered upon release.
“Today again, you have paid fines for 25 inmates and empowered them. You have written your name in the book of life,” he added, urging the freed inmates to be good ambassadors of their families, the state and the country at large.
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