‘Arsenal’ defeat ‘Chelsea’ at Kuje prison soccer tournament

‘Arsenal’ at the weekend defeated ‘Chelsea’ by 4 goals 3 to emerge winner of the football event in the Hope for Freedom Tournament 2.0 Grand Finale for inmates at the Kuje Correctional Center, Abuja.

The month-long tournament sponsored by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Legend Golden Care Foundation (LGCF) also featured other sporting activities such as table tennis, judo among others.

Excited inmates at the Center participated in the tournaments which is aimed at the physical, psychological and mental well-being of inmates in the nation’s Correctional Centers.

The Executive Director of LGCF, Mrs. Kanayo Olisa-Metuh, who expressed joy at the success of the event said her Foundation was “committed to providing the inmates with programs that guarantee vital psychosocial support, foster a sense of self-esteem, ignite higher aspirations and facilitate a positive transformative shift in mindset among the inmates”

Olisa-Metuh stated that though her foundation is involved in various interventions including tackling issues of Awaiting Trial Syndrome, Recidivism, Prison Congestion, provision of educational, skill acquisition, medical, nutriments as well as and pro-bono legal services among others, it also sponsors sporting activities targeted at the physical and mental wellbeing of inmates.

“What truly warmed our hearts was the overwhelming turnout, the joy, and the unwavering support from both inmates and correctional officials. Their cheers, applause, and words of encouragement amplified the profound impact that sports can have in driving transformation,” she said.

Speaking at the event, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Ibrahim Idris, said that since the change of name from Prison Services to Correctional Service, the Service has been encouraging reformatory activities including sports, which according to him will help in the mental, emotional and psychological rehabilitation of the inmates.

“It is not only football that is taking place here. We have table tennis, judo and so many other events taking place here for relaxation; to develop skills and to help the inmates earn a living when they go out. The whole essence of the Nigerian Correctional Service now is not punitive but Correctional.”

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Correctional Services, Hon. Chinedu Oga, commended the Foundation for organising and sponsoring the tournament and assured of the support of the National Assembly towards improving correctional services in the country.

“We are happy that things like this are happening. You could see from the faces of the inmates, that they were so happy that they were not rejected. I assure you that the National Assembly will continue to partner with the Correctional Services with the needed legislative support.

The names of the football club sides were adopted in line with the preferences of the inmates who are fans of various national and international teams.

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