Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Centre for Legal Support and Inmate Rehabilitation (CELSIR), has launched the Reform360 Programme at the Lagos Female Custodial Facility to support the mental, educational and economic rehabilitation of incarcerated women.
The programme, supported by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO), provides holistic empowerment covering mental health first aid, legal literacy on gender-based violence, vocational training, entrepreneurship development and formal education support.
Reform360 is designed to help incarcerated women restore hope, reconnect with themselves and prepare for reintegration into society by equipping them with practical life and livelihood skills. During the mental health sessions, participants were trained in emotional regulation, anxiety management and adversity intelligence. Several of the incarcerated women reported improved emotional wellbeing and reduced anxiety.One of the participants said the programme had helped her regain emotional stability, noting that she now sleeps better, practises breathing exercises and manages anger more effectively.
The entrepreneurship component of the programme trained 200 women in bookkeeping, customer relations, e-commerce, low-capital start-ups and basic business management.Participants are also acquiring vocational skills in tailoring, bakery, Adire textile production, plant-based food wrapping and other income-generating activities.
A beneficiary said the training had changed her perception of entrepreneurship, explaining that she now understands how to start a business with minimal capital and plans to establish a small enterprise upon release.A
A cell elder at the facility described the programme as transformative, saying that mental health support had helped her identify a clear path to self-reliance and given her the capacity to support fellow incarcerated women facing emotional challenges.VCDF is also supporting formal education for incarcerated women through its ASPIRE scholarship initiative, which has funded General Certificate Examination (GCE) registration for 200 participants across custodial centres nationwide.Speaking
Speaking on the programme, the Deputy Controller of Corrections, Beatrice Onyemachi, said the women demonstrated focus, enthusiasm and renewed purpose.She added that the group counselling and peer support sessions had reduced stigma and encouraged help-seeking behaviour.She commended VCDF and CELSIR for adopting a rehabilitative approach that promotes dignity, personal growth and long-term reintegration.The
The Reform360 Programme aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on gender equality, quality education, decent work and reduced inequalities.
Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Co. Ltd. reaffirmed its commitment to supporting impactful Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives that promote social inclusion and sustainable development. VCDF said it would continue to leverage SEEPCO’s support to ensure improved socio-economic outcomes for vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
