Dear Friends of PRAWA,
As we go deeper into the ember months, we find ourselves busy with initiatives that continue to drive our mission forward. PRAWA stands strong in its commitment to prisoner rehabilitation and the protection of human rights for offenders. We are thrilled to share updates of our activities in September with you.
In this month’s issue:
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Webinar on “Roles/ Responsibilities of the States and the Federal Government as Co-Managers of Corrections in Nigeria” (September 1, 2023)
PRAWA conducted its 6th virtual session on ‘Placement of Correctional Service on Concurrent Legislative List’. This is among the training sessions carried out by PRAWA for the Nigerian Correctional Service Officers, which is made possible through the partnership with Ministry of Interior, Nigerian Correctional Service and Ministry of Justice, Nigeria.
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The training session was handled by Bar. Katumi Oborien, Head of Office, PRAWA Kano.
2. Creation of Anti-Torture Club at Chrisland University, Abeokuta (September 2, 2023)
The team from PRAWA, consisting of Dr. Uju Agomoh, the Executive Director of PRAWA, and Ogechi Ogu, Esq., the Deputy Director, along with Mr. Roberto Frifini, a member of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), visited the office of the Vice Chancellor at Chrisland University to discuss the establishment and plans for the Anti-Torture Club.
Also, the University hosted an event to officially inaugurate the formation of the club. The highlight of the event was a presentation on the Istanbul Protocol by Mr. Roberto, followed by the distribution of Istanbul Protocol Manuals to club members.
3. 3-Day Capacity Building on Medico-Legal Documentation and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (September 4 – 6, 2023)
Over the course of 3 days, PRAWA organized a Capacity Building Workshop on Medico-Legal Documentation and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims.
The training was intended to further equip Medical and Legal Practitioners with detailed framework and procedures for investigation and documentation of torture and ill-treatment.
The guidelines taught during the training are those contained in the Istanbul Protocol: Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (2022 edition)
The training was carried out by PRAWA in partnership with the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) and with funding support from the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture (UNVFVT).
4. Yellow Ribbon Project 2023 (September 18th – 21st, 2023)
All PRAWA offices participated in the Yellow Ribbon Campaign Project 2023. Below is the list of activities of each office and dates they were carried out.
(18th) Kano Office
Staff of PRAWA Kano visited Rijia Zaki Motor Park, Kaduna to create awareness about the Yellow Ribbon Project. This was done with placards and banners displaying the core messages of the campaign, i.e. “Say No To Stigmatization of ex-Offenders”. The head of Kano office, Bar. Katumi also addressed passers-by at different points of the day.
(20th) Enugu Office
PRAWA Enugu carried out a yellow ribbon awareness and sensitization visit to the NYSC CDS group: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at Enugu North LGA HQ. During the CDS period, Mr Nwanneoma, a staff of PRAWA Enugu gave a brief lecture explaining the message of the Yellow Ribbon and how the NYSC corp members could partake.
(20th – 21st) Abia Office
On the 20th, Staff of PRAWA Abia visited the Palace of HRH, Eze Brown Ulocha of Ogbodi Ukwu in Umuopara, Abia State on the Yellow Ribbon Project sensitization. His Highness gave encouraging remarks and made inquiries on how to support.
In the same vein, we visited the Umuahia Correctional Headquarters where we had a chat with staff and the Comptroller.
PRAWA Abia also had a session at Flo-FM Radio Station to talk about the essence of the project.
On the 21st, Abia office was with the NYSC Umuahia as we discussed and enlightened them about the project.
(21st) Abuja Office
PRAWA Abuja carried out a sensitization walk and visit to the paramount traditional ruler and Chief of Gwagwalada. For the sensitization walk, PRAWA partnered with Correctional Officers from the Nigerian Correctional Service and members of Hope Behind Bars Africa ngo.
The road walk started at FCT Command Headquarters at Gwagwalada by 9am and ended at the Palace of the Chief of Gwagwalada, while sharing flyers that displayed information about the Yellow Ribbon Campaign.
5. National Webinar in Celebration of the Yellow Ribbon Campaign 2023 (September 28, 2023)
PRAWA conducted a webinar in partnership with Nigerian Correctional Service on the Yellow Ribbon Project. The theme was “preventing stigmatization and promoting reintegration of ex-inmates/ex-offenders and their families”.
Notable speakers in the webinar were Haliru Nababa (Controller General of Corrections, Nigeria), Hon. Justice Galadima (Retired Justice of the Supreme Court & Chairman, National Parole Board), Dr Uju Agomoh (Executive Director of PRAWA) and Abubakar Alhassan Bichi (Member, National Parole Board).
PRAWA’s Milestones
We are delighted to share some remarkable achievements and milestones that have marked a successful month for PRAWA.
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The Executive Director of PRAWA, Dr. Uju Agomoh has been listed in the Istanbul Protocol Working Group Members.
