The newly posted Officer-in-Charge of the Ahoada Correctional Centre, Chief Superintendent of Correction, Onwuli Patrick, has paid a familiarisation visit to His Majesty, Ny’údū Dr. Felix Enene Otuwarikpo, at the Upata Palace in Edeoha Town, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Patrick, who led a team of senior officers from the medium-security facility, said the visit was aimed at seeking the wisdom, prayers, and guidance of the traditional ruler in strengthening security, improving the welfare of inmates, and fostering peaceful coexistence between the correctional facility and host communities.
Welcoming the delegation, His Majesty, Otuwarikpo, commended the officers for their dedication to correctional duties and the protection of lives. He pledged the palace’s full support and cooperation, stressing the importance of synergy between traditional institutions and security agencies to ensure peace, safety, and mutual trust.
The monarch highlighted the long-standing relationship between the Upata Palace and the Ahoada Correctional Centre, noting that several requests had been made to the Rivers State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and other relevant bodies to improve the welfare of inmates.
While acknowledging the role of government, His Majesty emphasised the need for collective responsibility. He said efforts would be made to support inmates in areas within the community’s capacity, particularly in skills acquisition programmes that would help them build sustainable livelihoods after serving their terms.
Ny’údū Otuwarikpo also dismissed claims portraying Ekpeye land as security-prone, describing the narrative as exaggerated. According to him, the Ekpeye people are peaceful, hospitable, and united in pursuit of development, adding that Úpātáland remains committed to building a kingdom anchored on peace and progress.
Earlier, Patrick said the visit reflected the commitment of officers at the Ahoada Correctional Centre to the security of lives and the welfare of inmates. He described collaboration with traditional institutions as critical to achieving effective correctional administration.
The visit was described as a demonstration of the strong relationship between the correctional centre and the traditional institution, built on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and commitment to public welfare.
Meanwhile, the Upata Palace also received a delegation of the World Taekwondo Jidokwan Federation and the Rivers State Taekwondo Black Belt College, in collaboration with the Orashi Taekwondo and Fitness Club.
The delegation, led by Dr. Reddy Otuwarikpo, President of the Rivers State Taekwondo Jidokwan Black Belt College, formally invited the monarch to the organisation’s 80th Anniversary Celebration, scheduled to hold in Ahoada Town on 7 March 2026.
The event is expected to be hosted by the Rivers Taekwondo and Jidokwan Federation.
