Winifred Ibeh
Owerri, Nigeria — In a significant move to bridge healthcare gaps in Nigeria’s correctional system, the Ikukuoma Foundation, a nonprofit organization led by a philanthropist Hon. Edith Nwosu, conducted its first-ever free medical outreach for inmates at the Owerri Custodial Centre, Imo State.
The initiative, held on 26th June 2025, provided critical medical care to over 138 inmates, many of whom had gone years without proper treatment. According to data released by the Nigerian Correctional Service (Owerri Custodial Centre), the facility currently houses 3,175 inmates, including 31 females and 3,144 males. Of these, 107 males and 31 females were identified as in urgent need of medical attention.
Chief Nwosu, a native of Abaa in Nwangele Local Government Area and founder of the Ikuku Oma Foundation (registered in 2017), said the outreach was borne out of her passion for humanitarian service and concern over the overlooked health conditions within Nigeria’s prison system.
She further stated that many of these inmates have been forgotten and suffer in silence without adequate access to healthcare.
“I may not have won an election, but politics gave me the platform to amplify my foundation’s mission to serve the underserved,” she added during the outreach.
The medical team which attracted volunteer doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists from various hospitals across the state.
Dr. Ijeoma Mishael, a resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Emezuru and Clarinet Hospitals, who led the clinical team reported that most inmates were presented with skin infections, malaria, and urinary tract infections (UTIs), while several chronic conditions went undiagnosed until the outreach.
One of the inmates, Eze Obinna, who has been in custody since 2017, shared his experience, saying; I developed an eye problem while in the cell, and my blood pressure spiked after hearing about my mother’s death. There was no medical help until now. I’m grateful to this foundation.”
Another inmate, Chibuzor Peter, who has been convicted since 2023, said the cold environment in the prison worsened his respiratory health, leading to lung complications. “This is the first time someone has cared enough to bring us medical help,” he applauded.
The State Deputy Controller of Correctional Center, lauded the foundation’s efforts, says the intervention is commendable. It shows that the responsibility of inmate welfare should not lie solely with the government. Partnerships like this one are vital. Beyond incarceration, we run primary and secondary schools here, and many inmates sit for NECO exams. We’re also working with the Open University to introduce tertiary education. Rehabilitation, not just punishment, is our goal.”
He noted that while the Nigerian Correctional Service has rebranded from its former name, the Nigerian Prison Service (as of 2019), systemic challenges like inadequate medical resources still persist.
The converner appealed to the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, to visit the custodial centre and provide increased state support.
Since its establishment, the Ikuku0ma Foundation has executed hundreds of community-focused projects across Imo State, ranging from free medical missions to women and youth empowerment through registered clubs and skill-building initiatives.
By Harriet Ijeomah
