The Kaduna State Government has fulfilled Governor Uba Sani’s pledge to provide financial support to inmates granted pardon on Democracy Day, with each beneficiary receiving N100,000 to help them rebuild their lives after leaving custody.
The beneficiaries are among the 97 inmates released by the governor on June 12 under the constitutional prerogative of mercy.
The cash grants were presented to the former inmates on Friday at the Kaduna Medium Security Custodial Centre by officials of the state government.
Speaking during the presentation, the officer in charge of the custodial centre, Assistant Controller Dalhat Ibrahim, described the governor’s gesture as a significant boost to the rehabilitation and reintegration of the beneficiaries.
He said the payment of their fines and the additional financial support would encourage the former inmates to become responsible and productive members of society.
“This gesture will help us achieve the reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of the ex-inmates. They now have the opportunity to begin a new life,” Ibrahim said.
He advised the beneficiaries to use the funds as seed capital for small businesses or other legitimate ventures that would enable them to become self-reliant.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Protocol, Mohammed Suleiman, said the presentation of the grants fulfilled Governor Sani’s commitment to support the freed inmates after their release.
He urged them to stay away from crime and conduct themselves responsibly as they reintegrate into their communities.
“The governor has fulfilled his promise by ensuring that each of you receives N100,000. He expects you to be law-abiding citizens and make good use of this opportunity,” Suleiman said.
One of the beneficiaries, Chuks Solomon from Ebonyi State, thanked the governor for granting them freedom and providing financial assistance.
“We appreciate the governor for giving us another chance. Many of us will use this money to start a business and rebuild our lives,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Abubakar Umar, described the governor’s intervention as life-changing and prayed for God’s blessings upon him, Kaduna State and the nation.
