12/03/2026
*INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION AT OLD ILORIN CUSTODIAL CENTRE, OKEKURA, KWARA STATE.*
The International Women’s Day celebration, with the theme “Give to Gain”, was marked with enthusiasm and reflection at the Female Wing, of the old Ilorin Custodial Centre, Okekura, Ilorin, Kwara State, on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The event was organized by the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kwara State Command, under the leadership of the State Controller of Corrections, Tolorunshagba Femi Emmanuel.
The programme was held in collaboration with the Officer in Charge of the custodial centre, Assistant Controller of Corrections Olumuyiwa Omole, in attendance at the program are the following Dignitaries, Chief ( Mrs) Funkẹ Balogun a legal luminary and a member of the Federation of women lawyers in Kwara State, Dr (Mrs) Tolu Fákáyòdé who speaks on healthy family initiative and the Gender Officer of the Command, DSC Asha Ifechukwude T.J, who represented the State Controller during the celebration.
Addressing the gathering, The guest speaker Chief (Mrs) Funkẹ Balogun highlighted the significance of celebrating International Women’s Day within custodial centres, noting that the initiative promotes the dignity, wellbeing, and empowerment of female inmates. She explained that the programme provides opportunities for counselling, encouragement, and the development of positive values that support rehabilitation and successful
reintegration into the society.
According to her,, the celebration also raises awareness about the rights and welfare of women, while encouraging inmates to embrace skill acquisition and personal development programmes available within the custodial facility.
In his remarks, the Officer in Charge of the centre, Assistant Controller of Corrections Omole Olumuyiwa, commended the guest , the participants and leadership of the Kwara State Command for its continuous support for the initiatives that uplift and empower women in custody. He emphasized that the custodial centre remains committed to the core mandate of the Nigerian Correctional Service, which includes safe custody, humane treatment, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration of inmates into the society.
He further encouraged the female inmates to take advantage of the educational and vocational training opportunities provided by the Service to become productive and responsible members of the society upon their release.
In a message delivered on behalf of the State Controller of Corrections, Tolorunshagba Femi Emmanuel, it was reiterated that the celebration of International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the importance of gender equality, respect for human dignity, and the need to support women in all circumstances.
The Controller emphasized that the Kwara State Command remains committed to improving the welfare of inmates and implementing programmes that foster personal transformation and positive behavioural change.
The event featured a seminar, health awareness sessions, skills exhibition, and creative expression activities, designed to inspire and empower the female inmates. These activities provided a platform for learning, personal growth, and the development of talents that can enhance the prospects of inmates upon their reintegration into society.
The celebration concluded with renewed commitment by officers and stakeholders to continue supporting programmes that promote the rehabilitation, dignity, and empowerment of women in custody.
*E-Signed* :
CSC Adegbulugbe Philip Olumide (anipr)
Public Relations Officer
Nigerian Correctional Service
Kwara State Command