Abuja: 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, highlighted this at the closing ceremony of the fifth edition of the ‘Hope for Freedom Tournament’ held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event was organised by the Legend Golden Care Foundation. Tunji-Ojo, represented by his Special Adviser on Correctional Reforms, Mr. Babatunde Ogudare, described inmates as ‘assets to the nation’ while declaring the tournament open. He noted that the tournament showcased the role of sports in reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration, with football bringing inmates together despite their differences.
The minister encouraged inmates to use their time in custody for reflection, skills acquisition, and positive transformation in preparation for their reintegration into society. He also appealed to NGOs, development partners, and individuals to support correctional facilities, emphasizing that the government could not handle everything alone.
The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, also spoke at the event, asserting that sports is a crucial part of inmates’ physical reformation therapy. Nwakuche, represented by Deputy Controller-General Nicholas Obiako, stated that the tournament helped inmates develop discipline, teamwork, resilience, fairness, and respect for rules.
In her remarks, the Executive Director of Legend Golden Care Foundation, Mrs. Kanayo Olisa-Metu, explained that the tournament was designed as psychosocial support and rehabilitation for inmates. She initiated the tournament five years ago after noticing a lack of activities for inmates during long court vacations. Olisa-Metu noted that football served as an outlet for negative emotions, fostering a palpable mood of excitement.
The one-month tournament, reported by NAN, featured four teams: Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Chelsea. In the final match, Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory over Chelsea, winning the tournament. Awards were presented to outstanding teams and players, marking the official close of the event.