In a gesture of compassion and commitment to social welfare, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in collaboration with Peace and Development Projects, Velma Foundation, Benioni Akpa Development Foundation, and Lov Network Foundation, has donated essential medications and relief materials to the inmates of the Port Harcourt Maximum Correctional Centre in Rivers State.
The items, which include mattresses, mats, and vital drugs, were presented to the Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) in charge of the facility, DC Olaniyi Otegbola.
Speaking during the presentation, the representative of the NGOs, Sir Mathias Ovie, said the initiative—currently being replicated across the nine states of the Niger Delta—aims to improve the living conditions of inmates and tackle the growing issue of congestion in correctional centres.
According to Sir Ovie, the NDDC is not only offering temporary relief but is also preparing to roll out a larger decongestion programme.
The initiative includes paying fines to secure the release of indigent inmates convicted of minor offenses—individuals who have remained behind bars simply because they could not afford court-imposed penalties.
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“This project will focus on individuals eligible for release based on the nature of their convictions and their financial constraints. By intervening in this way, the NDDC aims to ease the burden on our overcrowded correctional facilities while providing deserving inmates with a chance at rehabilitation and reintegration into society,” he explained.
He further emphasized that the move is in line with the NDDC’s broader goal of fostering peace, justice, and sustainable development across the Niger Delta.
“The NDDC’s intervention reflects its ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life in the region—not just through infrastructure but through people-focused initiatives,” he said.
“This effort also aligns with the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu’s administration, ensuring even the most vulnerable benefit from national development.”
In response, DCC Olaniyi Otegbola expressed deep appreciation for the donations, noting that the items would go a long way in enhancing the well-being of the inmates.
“We are grateful to the NDDC and its partners for their generosity. These items will be judiciously used to support the comfort and care of our inmates,” he said.
The initiative serves as a reminder that even behind prison walls, hope can be restored—and that development must include those often forgotten by society.
