Federal Government Champions Sports for Inmate Rehabilitation at Kuje Football Tournament
In remarks made available to Shemnews on Wednesday during the closing ceremony of the fifth "Hope for Freedom Tournament" at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo emphasized this rehabilitative vision. Represented by his Special Adviser on Correctional Reforms, Babatunde Ogudare, the minister described inmates as "assets to the nation" and urged them to use their time in custody for reflection, skills acquisition, and positive transformation, noting that football successfully united the inmates despite their differences.
By Adebayo Gbeja | Shemnews · 17 Sept 2026 · 9 views
Federal Government Champions Sports for Inmate Rehabilitation at Kuje Football Tournament
The Federal Government has reiterated the critical role of sports in the reformation, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration of inmates into society. — ABUJA, Nigeria, Sept. 16, 2026
In remarks made available to Shemnews on Wednesday during the closing ceremony of the fifth "Hope for Freedom Tournament" at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo emphasized this rehabilitative vision.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Correctional Reforms, Babatunde Ogudare, the minister described inmates as "assets to the nation" and urged them to use their time in custody for reflection, skills acquisition, and positive transformation, noting that football successfully united the inmates despite their differences.
Key insights from the event include:
ㅇ Physical and Mental Therapy: Controller-General of Corrections Sylvester Nwakuche, represented by Deputy Controller-General Nicholas Obiako, stated that sports are an integral part of physical reformation therapy. He noted that the tournament helped inmates manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and develop discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
ㅇ Psychosocial Support: Mrs. Kanayo Olisa-Metu, Executive Director of the Legend Golden Care Foundation (the tournament's organizer), explained that the initiative was launched five years ago to provide a productive outlet for inmates during the long court vacation. She observed that the competition effectively channeled negative emotions into palpable excitement and team spirit.
○ Call for Collaboration: Acknowledging the scale of the challenge, Minister Tunji-Ojo appealed to NGOs, development partners, and well-meaning individuals to support correctional facilities, stressing that the government cannot manage the rehabilitation burden alone.
The month-long tournament featured inmate teams competing under the banners of global clubs: Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Chelsea.
Real Madrid ultimately clinched the championship with a 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the final match, securing the win with an early goal in the first 10 minutes and a decisive second strike just before the final whistle.
The event concluded with an awards presentation honoring the tournament's outstanding teams and players. By Adebayo Gbeja | Shemnews
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