By Amos Tauna :
The Centre for Peace Advancement and Socio-Economic Development, CPAED, on Thursday sensitized juveniles at Borstal Training Institute of the Nigerian Prison Service Barnawa, Kaduna, northern Nigeria on the importance of peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationship for nation building.
CPAED Coordinator, Mrs Jane Obiora, explained that the aim of the visit was not only to sensitise the inmates but also support the management of the institute for their good work.
“We are here to support the institute and the Nigerian government to help you become good citizens, useful to yourself, to your family and contribute your quota to national development.
“We want to help you in making the right choices in life, embrace peace, love, respect and become peace ambassadors and advocates of peaceful coexistence for national development,” Obiora said.
Some juveniles taken there over drug addiction, cultism, and other forms of criminal behaviours, thanked the NGO, saying their lives had been transformed for the better since they were brought to the rehabilitation centre.
The juveniles said they were not only rehabilitated but also allowed to continue with their education.
One of the inmates, who was at the rehabilitation centre since 2016, said he was hauled in for engaging in drugs, cultism and all kinds of criminal activities.
“I lived a reckless life with no ambition and always in conflict with my parents, the society and the law, but everything changed after the first six months in the institute.
“For the first time in my life I sat down to think and reflect about my life in the past, my situation and what the future holds for someone like me.
“The institute had help reshaped my thought, mould my attitude and taught me to live a life of purpose.
“We are not just locked up; we are being provided with skills and sound education. As I am talking to you now, I have passed my WAEC and JAMB and awaiting admission from University of Jos to study Theatre Art,” the boy said.
Another juvenile, said he used to be a drug addict, an alcoholic and indulged in all kinds of criminal behaviours, “But my life has changed after spending two years, nine months in the institute.
“I am completely reformed and looking forward to a bright future full of opportunities. I am currently pursuing admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy to serve my country,” he added.
The Institute Psychologist, Mr Chuwang Zeelochang, attributed the increasing number of delinquent juveniles to poor parental guidance.
According to him, parents pay more attention to the pursuit of material resources with which to support their families, paying little or no attention to psychological needs of the children.
CP. Musa Danzaria, Principal of the institute thanked the group for its support, saying it would go a long way in assisting the centre meets its objective.
Represented by Vice Principal Administration, DCP. Peter Gona, the principal said that the institute was established in 1962 to reform and reintegrate delinquents who are beyond parental control or in conflict with the law.
Danzaria explained that the inmates were admitted for a period of three years, to undergo social behaviour modification through guardian and counselling, academic and vocational training among others.
He said that the institute currently has over 300 juveniles, adding that about 90 percent of those rehabilitated over the years were doing well as lawyers, accountants, administrators while others are providing all kinds of services.
https://www.africaprimenews.com/2018/05/24/news/birnin-gwari-killings-police-commissioner-cautions-media-against-speculative-reports/
