•Mrs. Maureen Nwabuzo Omeili Photo: Sun News Publishing

Woman of the Sun Index

Like the gold fish that has no hiding place, she stands out in Oyo State prison command. Mrs. Maureen Nwabuzo Omeili, Comptroller of Prisons, Oyo State command is one woman that has attained to the apex of her career.

The confidence she exudes simply tells you she’s a woman of stern discipline. Going by the testimonies of all and sundry, her tenure has reduced the sufferings of prison inmates in the state.

In an interview with Daily Sun, she tells you her utmost desire is to better the prison conditions. “The prisons should be where the inmates are reformed and rehabilitated. That aspect is fast dying in our society. The prison inmates should be empowered and self-employed after they might have learnt lessons from different departments while in custody.”

“If we discover that an inmate is sentenced to 10 years but noticed that he or she is of good behaviour and works hard, I will write the chief judge of the state, the chief judge will call for his file. If the case is justified, such inmate can be discharged and acquitted. We do have every three quarters where we inspect our inmates to know who we need to recommend to the chief judge.

Expressing concern, she noted that some of the convicts still come back to prison with the same offences. That is why I first make them to realise why they were here in the first place and talk sense into them. The good ones heed to advice and they are alright.”

Born in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, she had her first degree from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and proceeded for a Master’s degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies at the Lagos State University (LASU).

Omeili counsels prison inmates and relates with them as mother, especially the younger one. She always educates that life in prison is not the last bus stop for anyone. “I do assist the inmates to try to contact their relatives or lawyers if the need arises.”

Moreover, she informs that inmates have every opportunity to get involved in any work that would enable them have something to fall back on after their freedom. “We have barbing salon, carpentry, painting, therefore when you leave the prison, there are opportunities out there that can be great help.”
According to the comptroller, the prison has the “after care service” which is aimed at organising programmes that would facilitate their rehabilitation and consequently re-introduce them into the society.

The ‘after care’ programme, she explains, was a meeting point for both government and private initiatives to pool resources together toward the settlement of juvenile offenders.
She, however, gives kudos to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for playing a tremendous role in lifting the burdens of prisoners nationwide.

“We have 20 NGOs which come to prisons to play humanitarian roles. Also, some of these NGOs, especially those affiliated to churches, preach the basic needs and religious value to the inmates. Also, people do come around to donate different things to the inmates so they could have a sense of belonging.
Omeili, however, frowns at the society for humiliating and embarrassing ex-convicts. “Some people find it difficult to associate with ex-convicts. Their going to prison is just to change their lifestyle and enable them learn from their past mistakes. These people in prisons often times realise their mistakes and turn a new leaf,” she adds.

According to her, the 30 years she has worked in the prisons has made her realised that life is full of challenges. “We need to have patience in whatever we do.”
She confesses that her heavy schedules at work have never deterred her from playing the motherly role to her family. “I still have time to unwind, especially with members of my family.”