The Rotary Club of Kano has presented vocational training to 70 inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kano as part of efforts to support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The programme is facilitated in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kano State Command.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Command Public Relations Officer, Mr Musbahu Lawan, on Tuesday in Kano.
Lawan quoted the 2026/2027 District Governor of Rotary International District 9127, Nigeria, Sikiru Adetona-Owonikoko, saying that the beneficiaries who were presented certificates successfully completed training in tailoring and other vocational skills.
He said humanitarian service remained a major focus of Rotary, adding that support to custodial centres should go beyond material donations to include sustainable skills that would enable inmates to rebuild their lives after release.
The district governor said the club had, over the past year, donated a modern sewing machine to the custodial centre to enhance vocational training.
He added that the partnership with the NCoS was aimed at providing practical skills that would promote self-reliance among inmates after discharge.
He commended the inmates for their commitment to learning despite their circumstances.
Adetona-Owonikoko reaffirmed Rotary’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the welfare, rehabilitation, skills acquisition and reintegration of inmates.
Also, the First Lady of District 9127, Hajia Zainab Owonikoko, expressed satisfaction with the participation of female inmates in the vocational training.
She said equipping women in custody with practical skills would improve their chances of becoming self-reliant and contributing meaningfully to their families and communities after release.
The President of Rotary Club Kano, Kamaldeen Salaudeen, commended the inmates for their dedication to the training.
Salaudeen urged members of the public to patronise products made through vocational programmes at the custodial centre, saying such support would encourage the inmates and strengthen the rehabilitation process.
He said the club had also facilitated the release of some inmates with minor offences by paying applicable fines to provide deserving inmates with an opportunity for reintegration.
In his remarks, the Kano Command Controller of Corrections, Mr Ahmed Yusuf-Lakpene, appreciated the Rotary Club for its sustained support.
Yusuf-Lakpene, represented by the Officer-in-Charge of Kurmawa Custodial Centre, DCC Ibrahim Isah-Rambo, also commended the club for complementing the efforts of the NCoS in the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates through skills acquisition and empowerment.
He said the intervention was in line with the objectives of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, which provides for education, vocational training and other programmes aimed at preparing inmates for responsible living after discharge.
He added that the initiative also supported the reform and rehabilitation agenda of the Controller-General of Corrections, Mr Sylvester Ndidi-Nwakuche, which prioritises humane custody, skills acquisition and successful reintegration.
The controller expressed appreciation to the club and other stakeholders for their continued partnership in improving inmate welfare and rehabilitation.
He reiterated the service commitment to collaborating with credible organisations and development partners to provide inmates with opportunities for skills acquisition, education and personal development, to reduce recidivism, promote safer and more productive communities.