Senator representing Delta North Ned Nwoko said he sponsored the national talent rehabilitation Bill to ensure that the skills and talents of offenders are harnessed for the benefit of society.
The bill sponsored by the senator is “The National Talent Rehabilitation and Integration Act.”
Nwoko spoke with newsmen in Asaba, Delta State capital, against the backdrop of the arrest and release of culprits involved in the illegal arms factory discovered in Onicha-Olona, community, Delta state, recently.
Nwoko said the bill seeks to address the challenge of skilled individuals engaging in illegal activities, particularly in technology-related fields, by providing a structured framework for their rehabilitation and integration into lawful employment and entrepreneurship.
He said the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), as well as the Ministry of Science and Technology have crucial roles to play in making the initiative succeed, adding that, by engaging with individuals possessing such skills, legal avenues could be offered to them, to enable their expertise to flourish.
He said the aim is not only to prevent the proliferation of illegal arms and illegal manufacturing of weapons but also channel such talents towards legitimate industries for national development.
The senator said it was vital for government to support and integrate such offenders with specialised skills and talents into the formal economy.
He said the initiative focuses on recognising their capabilities and providing opportunities for them to contribute to the development of the local indigenous technology.
Recall the Senator recently visited the headquarters 63 Brigade Asaba, and discussed with the Brigade Commander to wade into the matter mainly involving members of one family.