Nigerian Correctional Service Celebrates Male Officers on International Men’s Day

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has joined the global community in marking the 2025 International Men’s Day (IMD) with a historic celebration honouring the contributions of its male officers. The event, held at the Pavilion of the National Headquarters in Abuja, featured a special commemorative lecture themed “Honoring the Men of the Nigerian Correctional Service: Service, Strength, and Humanity.

Speaking at the occasion, the Head of the Gender Advisory Unit, Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) Dr. Adenike Sheyindemi, delivered an emotionally charged lecture that highlighted the resilience, sacrifices, and humanity of male personnel across the Service.

Dr. Sheyindemi paid tribute to the officers’ critical roles in sustaining security operations, maintaining discipline, and driving the Service’s core mandates. She emphasized that behind every uniform is a man who is also a father, husband, brother, and community figure bearing significant personal and professional burdens.

“Society expects men in uniform to be pillars of steel,” she noted. “But we acknowledge the unseen sacrifices, the emotional weight, and the silent battles you carry. Your wellbeing matters as much as the duty you perform.”

The lecture explored several themes aligned with the global pillars of International Men’s Day by recognizing positive male role models within the Nigerian Correctional Service, appreciating men’s contributions to national security, justice, and community stability, addressing men’s health and wellbeing, with a call for officers to prioritize medical checkups, mental health, rest, and peer support, highlighting the emotional and psychological challenges faced by correctional personnel operating in high-risk, high-pressure environments and promoting positive masculinity, defined by compassion, fairness, restraint, and ethical leadership.

Dr. Sheyindemi encouraged officers to practice “strength with profound restraint” and uphold fairness even under provocation, noting that “restraint is the truest form of power” in correctional work.

She also led the officers in a short affirmation that reinforced their value, humanity, and purpose within the Service.

In a symbolic and emotional moment, Dr. Sheyindemi invited all female officers present to rise and applaud their male colleagues. The hall erupted in cheers as female personnel paid tribute to their counterparts, creating an atmosphere many described as unprecedented within the Service.

Staff Officer, Controller of Corrections Enya, said the occasion marked the first time NCoS male officers were celebrated publicly on International Men’s Day. She described the event as “remarkable and deeply touching,” noting that many officers were visibly moved by the recognition.

The celebration also reaffirmed the Service’s dedication to gender balance, mutual respect, and inclusiveness among its workforce. Dr. Sheyindemi commended the leadership of the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuchi, MFR, mni, and the Hon. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, noting their unwavering commitment to the welfare, growth, and future of NCoS personnel.

“As we celebrate International Men’s Day, we honor the men of the Nigerian Correctional Service men who serve with courage, discipline, and heart,” she said.