17th May, 2025
The Controller of Corrections in Edo State, Mr Sunday Oyakhire, has appealed to the state government, private sector, and civil society organisations to partner more actively with the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in rehabilitating inmates and helping them reintegrate into society.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a prison football tournament held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Oko, Benin, Oyakhire stressed that rehabilitation goes beyond locking people behind bars.
“We’re not just here to confine inmates. Ninety-five per cent of them are from Edo, and they deserve a second chance,” he said. “Our carpentry, metal, tailoring, and music workshops need upgraded equipment, and some inmates are already sitting for WASSCE exams.”
The football tournament, part of a wider reformation programme, was sponsored by the Civic Rights Advancement Initiative. Its founder, Andrew Akpor, said he brought the project to Edo because of personal ties to the state.
“Edo is home for me. I schooled here. We’ve also organised a legal symposium, donated food and reading materials, and we’re now helping inmates pay fines as low as N50,000,” Akpor stated. “These inmates need encouragement to rebuild their lives.”
He also urged sports agents and clubs to begin talent scouting in correctional facilities, describing the tournament as a platform for both reform and opportunity.
The Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mr Charity Aiguobarueghian, praised the initiative, saying it had brought renewed hope to the inmates.
“This is a brilliant example of how sports can inspire change. It gives the inmates something to look forward to and helps them rediscover their worth,” he said.
The grand finale saw Block D clinch victory with a 4-1 win over Block E, while Block F secured third place by defeating Block B 3-1. Winning teams were presented with cash prizes and trophies.
