By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

The Women Community in Africa (WCA), Kaduna State Command, has called for increased support for the rehabilitation, healthcare and skills development of persons in custody at the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Kaduna.

The call followed a humanitarian support visit by WCA Kaduna State Command, led by the Kaduna State Commissioner, Comfort Ojo, in partnership with Projectsmile for Humanity Foundation, Mahcare Foundation and the Centre for Media Advocacy for Mother and Child (CAMAC).

The visit, held on September 4, 2026, was part of activities ahead of the forthcoming WCA Kaduna State Launch and was aimed at demonstrating solidarity with persons in custody while identifying areas requiring further support.

During the visit, the delegation donated water, washing soap, bathing soap and sanitary pads to support the hygiene, health and basic welfare needs of persons in custody, including female inmates.

The delegation also engaged the management of the Correctional Centre on the welfare, rehabilitation and reintegration of persons in custody.

Speaking during the engagement, the Controller of the Correctional Centre stressed that effective correctional services must go beyond confinement to include rehabilitation, skills acquisition and empowerment.

He said persons in custody require opportunities to acquire practical and marketable skills that would enable them to become self-reliant and productive members of society after their release.

The Controller also emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration among correctional institutions, civil society organisations, government agencies, development partners and other stakeholders in addressing the healthcare, welfare and rehabilitation needs of persons in custody.

Following the engagement, the delegation identified the need for additional medical supplies and essential drugs, including antibiotics, anti-malaria medicines, drugs for the treatment of infections and other basic medical supplies.

Skills acquisition and vocational training were also identified as critical areas requiring intervention, with soap making, tailoring, entrepreneurship and other income-generating skills highlighted as priority areas.

WCA Kaduna therefore called on its headquarters and other potential partners to support the Correctional Centre with medical supplies, vocational training materials, equipment and other resources required to strengthen rehabilitation programmes.

The organisation said such interventions would contribute to improving the wellbeing of persons in custody while equipping them with practical skills and opportunities for economic independence and successful reintegration into society.

The humanitarian visit also strengthened collaboration between WCA, its partner organisations and the Correctional Centre management, with the parties exploring opportunities for sustained support and partnership.

Meanwhile, WCA Kaduna used the occasion to reiterate the need for the timely release of funds required for the forthcoming Kaduna State launch and related humanitarian, advocacy, rehabilitation and empowerment activities.

The Command said timely funding would enable it to effectively coordinate the launch, strengthen partnerships and implement planned interventions targeting vulnerable individuals and communities.