Empowering Talented Offenders Through Rehabilitation Agency – Ned Nwoko proposed
… rehabilitation is necessary to put an end to threat.
Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta) says he has proposed a Bill before the Senate for the establishment of a National Talent Rehabilitation and Integration Agency.
The Senator who represents Delta North Senatorial District disclosed this in an exclusive with Independent on Sunday.
The senator said that the proposed bill is a fallout from the talents discovered from the illegal arms factory in Onicha-Olona, Delta.
He noted that, though they were arrested by the Nigerian army, but were however released through his intervention.
He noted that individual with specialized skills and talents in technology, particularly in areas such as manufacturing of weaponry, were often involved illegal activities, posing a threat to national security and public safety.
The Senator added, said it was recognized that the talents and skills of such individuals, if harnessed and integrated into the formal economy, have the potential to contribute positively to society and boost local industries.
The Lawmaker who is the member of the Senate Committee on Defense said that there was the need to establish a comprehensive framework for the rehabilitation and integration of offenders with specialized technology talents.
He said this was with a view to providing them with opportunities for growth, development and lawful employment.
He noted that it was the duty of the government to protect the welfare of its citizens, promote social justice and prevent the misuse of technology for illicit purposes.
According to him, “It is in accordance with these principles, that I proposed the Bill tittled, “A Bill For an Act to Establish The National Talent Rehabilitation and Integration Agency and For Related Matters” to be enacted by the National Assembly od the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He said, “The bill Seeks to address the challenge of skilled individuals engaging in illegal activities.
“This is particularly in technology-related fields, by providing a structured framework for their rehabilitation and integration into lawful employment and entrepreneurship.
“Through the establishment of the National Talent Rehabilitation and Integration Agency, the talents of offenders with specialized skills will be harnessed, public safety promoted, recidivism rates reduced and they can contribute to the economic development of the nation.
“For the purpose of this Act, offenders shall refer to individuals who have been convicted of illegal activities involving technology, including but not limited to the manufacturing of weaponry,” he said.
He also explained that specialized skills and talents in technology would encompass a wide range of technical- abilities, including but not limited to software development, engineering, robotics and other fields relevant to the manufacturing and utilisation of technology products.
He said that offenders eligible for participation in the rehabilitation and integration programmes under the Act must meet certain criteria.
“The offenders must demonstrate specialized skills and talents in technology.
“They must possess demonstrable expertise and proficiency in technological fields relevant to the objectives of this Act, such as software development, engineering, electronics or other specialized areas.
“They must have been convicted of illegal activities involving technology including but not limited to the manufacturing, distribution or utilisation of weaponry or other technology products for unlawful purposes,” he said.
The lawmaker, however, said that offenders would be made to undergo a comprehensive assessment to evaluate their potential for rehabilitation and successful integration into the formal economy.
He said the participants’ interest and willingness to participate in the programme and commitment to lawful behavior would be taken into accounts.
He added that offenders must agree to comply with the rules, regulations and requirements of the rehabilitation and integration programme.
This, he said would include participation in vocational training, mentorship and other activities aimed at facilitating their transition to lawful employment and productive citizenship.
He said that the programme would also encompass vocational training, mentorship and counseling, job placement and entrepreneurship support, social reintegration and community entertainment.
He continued, “The board of proposed Agency would be composed of representatives from various government entities and relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to the ministry of science and technology, National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Others he said would include the Nigerian Police Force, Navy, Army, Air Force, other relevant stakeholders like the academia, industry associations, non-governmental organizations and community groups.
