A corps member serving in Ekiti State, Anuoluwa Balogun, will hold a one-day sensitisation programme on stigmatisation against ex-convicts.
In a release by the Project Public Relations Officer, Precious Oham, in Ado-Ekiti, on Monday, the event is in partnership with the National Orientation Agency, NOA, and in collaboration with Nigerian Correctional Service, Ado-Ekiti Custodial Centre.
The programme is tagged “Sensitisation of the public against stigmatisation of the Ex-convicts,” will hold on Wednesday, 18th May, 2022 at the Pensioners’ Hall, Old-Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti by 10:00am.
There will be paper presentations on the theme: “The Prevention of Recividism and Social Reintegration of Ex-convicts” by CC, J.O Ojo, Comptroller, Ado-Ekiti Custodial Centre, Dr Bukola Ajayi, Clinical Psychologist, Ekiti State University and Barrister Tosin Ayo, Principal Partner, Castles and Temples, while the moderator is the Secretary, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ekiti State Council, Kayode Babatuyi.
Notable dignitaries expected to grace the occasion are the NYSC Ekiti State Coordinator, Mary Nenna Chikezie, Director, NOA Ekiti State, Olawunmi Famuyiwa, NUJ Chairman, Ekiti State Council, Rotimi Ojomoyela, traditional rulers, top government functionaries, party leaders, religious leaders, security agencies, members of the press, corps members and other stakeholders.
The one-day event is aimed towards addressing the psychological challenges ex-convicts faced when released from the prison such as: stigmatisation, isolation, discrimination, depression and total rejection by close associates in the community.
Also, the objectives of the programme are: to mentor the ex-convicts to stay away from crime, sensitise the society to avoid stigmatisation of ex-convicts, re-orientate the ex-convicts to a new way of life and to encourage the society to assist ex-convicts in entrepreneurship skills.
She therefore enjoined well-meaning individuals to donate empowerment tools for these 15 fellows to aid their reintegration into the society.