The Imo State House of Assembly has called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to direct the relevant ministries and agencies to conduct a feasible study, and collaborate with other relevant stakeholders for the establishment of a mini industry or factory at the Correctional Centers in the State.
They also urged the governor to direct Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and Ministry of Youth to develop the essential legal and operational framework for the successful implementation of the project.
The motion which was sponsored by the Nkwerre lawmaker; Hon. Chisom Ojukwu and co-sponsored by nine other legislators was presented on Tuesday during the House plenary.
Speaking on the motion, the Nkwerre lawmaker who stated that it is very pertinent for the factory to be established, pointed out that it will go a long way in aiding to rehabilitate, and train inmates to be better persons.
“Establishing the mini factory will go a long way in correcting some things in the correctional centers. The workshops they have there is no longer functional, as they use to have classrooms where they learn many things, but now those things are no longer in existence.
“As an idle mind is a devil’s workshop, when you keep the inmates idle without showing them what to do, they will mix up with hardened criminals and when they come out from there, they will be worst than they were. So this mini industry is a welcome development which the state government should embrace,’Ojukwu stated.
The initiative he averred will not only equip inmates with valuable skills but will also provide a steady workforce for the factory, leading to increased GDP and overall economic growth for the state especially.
Ojukwu further cited that countries like Burkina Faso have successfully implemented similar initiatives, demonstrating the potential for economic growth and social rehabilitation.
He continued that Imo State adopting such will benefit a lot from it, and in the same vein create a model for other State to emulate.
Supporting the motion was the Deputy Chief Whip; Hon. Kelechi Ofurum, Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Chyna Iwuanyanwu, Former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kennedy Ibeh, and members representing: Orlu; Hon. Ikenna Ihezuo, Mbaitoli; Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie.
They reiterated how essential it is for the state to key into establishing the factory, saying that it is what is obtainable in different climes for the welfare of the people, and progress of the country.
They continued that venturing into it will reduce the level of crime in the society as most of the inmates will have a skill to fall back on.
As there was no one against the motion, the speaker, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe put it to vote and the Ayes had it.
He also directed for the Clerk of the House to convey the House resolution to the Governor and other related bodies.
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