Kano: Rotary Club, Kurmawa Custodian Center train 70 inmates on vocational skills

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

The Rotary Club of Kano, in partnership with Kurmawa Medium Security Custodian Centre, Kano, has sponsored the training and skills acquisition of 70 inmates in the Correctional Centre, who have completed their training on tailoring and other vocational skills.

Speaking during the presentation of certificates to the graduating inmates, President of Rotary Club Kano, Rotarian Kamaldeen Salaudeen, said the gesture was to enable the inmates become useful to themselves and the society during and after detention.

According to him, acquiring such skills that would make them economically dependent, will also go a long way to reshaping their lifestyles and enable them shun crime and criminal activities.

Salaudeen further urged members of the public to patronise products made by the inmates, stressing that such support would encourage them and strengthen their rehabilitation process.

According to him, presenting vocational training certificates to 70 inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kurmawa, Kano, was part of efforts to promote rehabilitation, empowerment and their reintegration into the society.

In his remarks during the presentation, the 2026/2027 District Governor of Rotary International, District 9127, Nigeria, Engr. Sikiru Adetona Owonikoko, said, “humanitarian support should go beyond donations to providing sustainable skills that enable inmates to rebuild their lives.”

He commended the beneficiaries for their commitment to learning and reaffirmed Rotary’s readiness to keep supporting initiatives focused on inmates’ welfare, rehabilitation and successful reintegration.

The First Lady of District 9127, Hajia Zainab Owonikoko, highlighted the participation of female inmates, saying vocational training would improve their prospects of becoming self-reliant and contributing positively to their families and communities after release.

The club also supported the release of inmates convicted of minor offences by paying applicable fines, giving deserving beneficiaries an opportunity to freedom.

The Controller of Corrections, Kano State Command, CC Ahmed Yusuf Lakpene, represented by the Officer-in-Charge of Kurmawa Custodial Centre, DCC Ibrahim Isah Rambo, commended Rotary for its sustained partnership with the Service.

He said the intervention complemented the Nigeria Correctional Service’s mandate to reform and rehabilitate inmates through education, vocational training and other empowerment programmes.

He said: “This initiative is in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, which provides for education, vocational training and other programmes aimed at preparing inmates for responsible living after discharge.

“The Command reaffirmed its commitment to working with credible organisations and development partners to expand opportunities for skills acquisition, education and personal development, with the ultimate goal of reducing recidivism and promoting safer communities.”

As part of its intervention, Rotary Club Kano, previously donated a modern sewing machine to the custodial centre and established a partnership with the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) to strengthen skills acquisition programmes for inmates.

The beneficiaries successfully completed training in tailoring and other vocational skills designed to equip them with practical means of earning a living after their release.

Dear Vows