The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Friday, tasked officers of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) to display a high sense of professionalism and patriotism in the discharge of their duties.

Tunji-Ojo gave the charge at the passing-out parade of 213 Cadets of the 29th ASC Basic Course International on Friday in Kaduna.

Represented by Ja’afaru Ahmed, former Controller General of Corrections, Ojo said the participants were exposed to correctional strategies.

According to him, five of the participants are from the Gambia, adding that the six-month Basic Course has made the desired impact on the participants.

He enjoined them to use the knowledge acquired to enhance quality service delivery in correctional facilities in the country.

“Always remember that the job of rebuilding Nigeria is everybody’s task,” he said.

The minister also charged the management of the college to continue to discharge its mandate of training and re-training of correctional officers in line with international best practices.

According to Tunji-Ojo, the ministry is working to promote synergy between the NCoS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Fire Service and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), to enhance quality service delivery.

“We employ more measures to enable the NCoS to carry out its statutory responsibilities without hindrance.

“We are already working on modalities to address challenges facing the service, including the general welfare of correctional officers and inmates,” he said.

Highlights of the event were the presentation of awards to some graduates for outstanding performances during the course.

Interior Minister Tasks Correctional Officers on professionalism