In a move that blended a powerful motivational speech with concrete action, Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, visited the Anambra Correctional Centre in Amawbia on Friday to deliver a simple message: “Your story is far from over.”
The former Governor didn’t just come with words. He arrived with a cheque for ₦4,741,400, fully covering the NECO examination fees and logistics for 148 inmates across four correctional facilities in the state. The intervention was born out of a desperate plea from the inmates, who had previously sent an emissary to Obi explaining that they were about to be barred from their exams due to a lack of funds
Lessons from History: From Mandela to Malcolm X
Standing before the inmates, Obi used the examples of world-renowned figures to illustrate that prison can be a classroom for greatness rather than just a place of punishment.
“History shows that confinement does not always mark the end of a meaningful life,” Obi told the group.
He cited Nelson Mandela’s 27-year journey from a cell to the presidency, Malcolm X’s intellectual transformation behind bars, and even business mogul Martha Stewart’s post-prison comeback. By doing so, he urged the inmates to use their time for reform, renewal, and the acquisition of skills that would make them assets to Nigeria upon their release.
A Promise Kept
The visit was the culmination of a commitment Obi made earlier this year. After being briefed on the inmates’ plight, he gave his word to the National Examinations Council (NECO) that the fees would be paid. His visit to the NECO office in Awka on Friday was a “surprise” to many, as he personally handed over the cheque to the State Coordinator, Mrs. Emilia Njoku.
The payment breaks down as follows:
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Awka Centre: 50 inmates
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Onitsha Centre: 36 inmates
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Aguata Centre: 37 inmates
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Nnewi Centre: 25 inmates
Each candidate’s fee was set at ₦30,050, with an additional ₦2,000 provided for logistics to ensure the exam process runs smoothly.
Reimagining Justice
Obi’s gesture has sparked a conversation about the role of Nigeria’s “Correctional” centers. He argued that these facilities should focus on education and skills acquisition rather than mere isolation. For the 148 inmates now registered for their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), the path to a second chance has officially begun—not just through a cheque, but through the belief that they are still capable of contributing to their country.
