Nigeria Correctional Service kebbi state command Showcases Inmates’ Agricultural Products at Argungu Festival, Seeks state Government Support
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Argungu, Kebbi State –2026
The Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival witnessed an inspiring display of innovation and rehabilitation as the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Kebbi State Command, showcased a variety of agricultural products produced by inmates at the ongoing agricultural exhibition.
The exhibition stand of the NCoS attracted dignitaries, festival guests, and members of the public who commended the quality and variety of items on display. The products, cultivated and processed by inmates under structured vocational and agricultural training programmes, included farm produce and other value-added goods aimed at promoting self-reliance and skill acquisition.
Speaking with journalists at the event, the Command’s representative, CSC Lawal Yeldu, explained that the initiative forms part of the Service’s broader mandate of reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates into society.
According to him, the inmates are deliberately engaged in productive ventures to equip them with practical skills that will make them useful to themselves and the wider society upon release.
“The objective is to ensure that inmates are not idle while serving their terms. They are trained in agriculture and other vocational skills so that when they return to society, they can become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
In an addendum, Alhassan Tukur of the Correctional Service emphasized that the agricultural initiative requires sustained support to expand its impact. He noted that while the inmates have demonstrated commitment and capacity, additional backing from the state government and relevant stakeholders would significantly enhance productivity.
He expressed optimism that the Kebbi State Government would continue to empower the Command through funding, equipment, and technical assistance to scale up production and improve facilities.
The NCoS officials also appreciated the presence of top government functionaries at the festival, including the Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Nasir Idris, his wife, the Deputy Governor, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who attended the prestigious cultural event.
The Argungu Festival, which combines rich cultural heritage with economic and agricultural exhibitions, provided a strategic platform for the Correctional Service to demonstrate how correctional centres are being transformed into hubs of productivity and human capital development.
Observers at the exhibition commended the initiative, noting that such programmes not only reduce recidivism but also promote dignity, discipline, and entrepreneurship among inmates.
The Nigeria Correctional Service reiterated its commitment to reform-oriented programmes and called on corporate organizations, development partners, and the Kebbi State Government to partner with the Command in strengthening rehabilitation efforts across correctional facilities in the state.
