THE Oyo State Chess Association is set to collaborate with the Nigerian Correctional Service towards the development and engagement of inmates with the game of chess.
OSCA led by its chairman, Iredele Ogunbayo, paid a visit to the State Command of NCS last weekend to discuss how chess can impact the lives of inmates if they get involved in the game.
“We have been working hard to make sure chess as a game is played at all levels and circumstances in the state. We have organised chess among schools both primary and secondary, the Ibadan Chess League, and we are planning to have games among higher institutions of learning in the state.
“We have continued to partner with chess clubs and other organisations to achieve this objective of spreading the game. So we are delighted that Oyo State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service is willing to collaborate with us.
“Activities like this would help the inmates a lot especially in their critical thinking and help them stay focused. Chess is a game of the mind and it can help them lead better lives once the inmates are integrated back into society,” Iredele said.
Comptroller of the NCS, Oyo State Command, Ailewon Noel, was elated at the development while looking forward to the collaboration that will ensure the inmates are well engaged and impacted positively.
“Here in Agodi of the Nigerian Correctional Service, we do some sporting activities because the space we have is limited but we do go out. We play football and expose inmates to vocational training as well.
“We appreciate this type of collaboration. It is a step in the right direction because it will further make the inmates engaged. While inmates are engaged in custody, it makes them think less of imprisonment. It is only when you lock them up that they start to think about escaping but with sports engagement, they think less of escape.
“The inmates will key into this. This will go a long way in relieving tension in our correctional centres,” Ailewon said.
He lauded the OSCA for the innovation saying: “I also want to use this opportunity to say thank you to the Chess Association for your visit and we want to see more of it. Our responsibility as correctional centres is to look for people like you to come and assist inmates.”