By Adebayo Gbeja
The Federal Government has reiterated the importance of sports in the reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasised this at the closing ceremony of the fifth edition of the”Hope for Freedom Tournament” held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja on Wednesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the Legend Golden Care Foundation.
Tunji-Ojo, represented by his Special Adviser on Correctional Reforms, Mr Babatunde Ogudare, while declaring the tournament open described inmates as ”assets to the nation”.
He said the tournament demonstrated the role of sports in reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration, adding that football had brought inmates together in spite of their differences.
He urged inmates to use their time in custody for reflection, skills acquisition and positive transformation ahead of their reintegration into society.
The minister appealed to NGOs, development partners and well-meaning individuals to support correctional facilities, stressing that government could not do everything alone.
Also speaking the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, said sports was an integral part of inmates’ physical reformation therapy.
Nwakuche represented by the Deputy Controller-General, Nicholas Obiako, said the tournament had helped inmates develop discipline, teamwork, resilience, fairness and respect for rules.
”On the field they learn to manage emotions, build healthy relationships, maintain physical fitness and channel their energy productively,” he said.
He said the tournament had restored dignity and built self-esteem among inmates, reminding them that they remained valued members of society.
In her remarks, the Executive Director of Legend Golden Care Foundation, Mrs Kanayo Olisa-Metu, said the tournament was designed as psychosocial support and rehabilitation for inmates.
Olisa-Metu said the foundation introduced the tournament five years ago after observing that inmates had limited activities during the long court vacation.
According to her, we came up with football as an outlet for all the negative emotions they must have; and you can see that the mood and excitement were palpable.
She said the tournament also helped inmates develop team spirit and discipline, with some participants becoming interested in pursuing professional football careers.
Olisa-Metu said the foundation would continue the initiative and expand it to other correctional facilities as resources permitted.
NAN reports that the one-month tournament featured four teams: Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chelsea.
In the final match, Real Madrid scored the first goal 10 minutes into the game.
The team doubled its lead about two minutes before the end of regulation time to secure a 2-0 victory over Chelsea.
Real Madrid consequently won the tournament, while Chelsea finished second, Arsenal third and Manchester United fourth.
The event featured presentation of awards to outstanding teams and players, and the official closing of the tournament.(NAN)
Edited by Deborah Coker