By Joy Onu
The Federal Government has donated over 850 customised fibre mattresses to inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Ondo State, as part of ongoing efforts to improve conditions within custodial facilities nationwide.
The Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, officially flagged off the donation at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Akure. The initiative is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is part of a broader nationwide programme aimed at enhancing inmate welfare, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
Represented at the event by Mr. Babatunde Ogundare, the Minister noted that Ondo State was selected as the pilot location for the distribution. He emphasized that the initiative demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to humane custody and reflects a strategic effort to advance correctional reforms across Nigeria.
The Ondo State Controller of Corrections, Charles Oyewole, expressed appreciation to the Minister for his continued support of the Service. He also acknowledged other interventions by Tunji-Ojo, including the payment of fines that facilitated the release of some inmates, describing the gesture as timely and impactful.
The symbolic presentation of the mattresses underscores the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen correctional administration, uphold the dignity of inmates, and promote meaningful reforms within custodial centres nationwide.
The development was made known in a statement issued to the media by Mary Ali (Mrs.), Head, Press & Public Relations, Ministry of Interior, on 25th February, 2026.
