Edo: NCoS seeks collaboration on inmate reformation as prison soccer tourney ends in style

By Usman Aliyu

Mr Sunday Oyakhire, Controller of Corrections for the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in Edo, has called for increased collaboration in the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.

He made the call on Friday during the grand finale of a football tournament held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Oko, Benin.

Oyakhire underscored the need for support from the state government, civil society, and private sector, noting that correctional work extended beyond confinement.

He highlighted the importance of vocational and educational programmes, stating that 95 per cent of the inmates were indigenes of Edo.

“Our carpentry, metal, tailoring, and music studios need modern equipment,” he said, adding that eight inmates were currently sitting for the WASSCE.

The tournament, supported by the Civic Rights Advancement Initiative, is part of ongoing reformation efforts.

The sponsor, Andrew Akpor, noted that the initiative aimed to uplift inmates and spotlight their potential.

“I chose Edo for the first edition because this is home for me. I schooled here.

“We’ve also held a legal symposium, donated food, reading materials, and now we’re helping inmates whose fines are as low as N50,000.

“They just need support to rejoin society,” Akpor said.

He added that his organisation planned to replicate the initiative in other regions of the country and called on sports agents and clubs to consider scouting from correctional centres.

He expressed hope that the programme would expand to other regions and serve as a recruitment platform for sports clubs.

Mr Charity Aiguobarueghian, Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, commended the initiative, saying it gave inmates hope and purpose.

In the final match, Block D triumphed over Block E with a 4-1 win, while Block F secured third place by defeating Block B 3-1.

Cash prizes and trophies were awarded to the top teams