The prison being a correctional center is a place many see as a condemned place for criminals, however, the after life of the inmates has always been a concern to people as many leave, worse than they were before going into the correctional center, some find it difficult interacting with people afterwards while others tend to live alone with the trauma – this gave a rise to adopting sports as the viable tool to have them properly reformed, rejuvenated and reintegrated into the society.
The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh during a two-day workshop on sports-based intervention in prison settings, organised by the United Nations tagged “Drug and Crime for Nigerian Correctional Service inmates and the public”, has hinted at the succour sports prove in helping to achieve the 3 Rs — Reformation, Reintegration and Rejuvenation of the inmates into the society.
Represented by one of the Deputy Directors at the Ministry, Mr. Bamiduro Olumide, the Minister said that without doubt, the workshop provided an avenue for deliberations on ways to strengthen and enhance the delivery capacity of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the population it serves.
Speaking as a Special Guest of Honour at the event, he re-emphasized the need to use sports as a tool for behaviour change, rehabilitation, and reintegration of individuals associated with crime, to assist them lead better lives.
Senator Enoh reiterated that sports is one of the major tools for social engagement, especially amongst youths – irrespective of sex, religion and tribe.
According to the press release from the media department, the office of the Minister of Sports, the minister registered his excitement associated with events like this.
“I am particularly delighted to associate with this event,” Senator Enoh said. “It can give a platform to potential sports persons. Moreso, sport is a major tool for peace and conflict resolution.”
According to him, sports-based programmes and activities are now modern and effective empowerment tools globally. It has the power to unite and foster togetherness, and progress amongst youths.
While commending the German Government for partnering with the United Nations to organize the programme, Senator Enoh assured them of the Federal Government’s interest in welcoming ideas and innovations that will further enhance both nations’ bilateral relationship.
Former Director General of the defunct National Sports Commission, Mallam Yakmut Al-Hassan was present at the workshop as a paper presenter and a consultant.
Some of the important papers delivered by presenters include Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (UNODC office, Vienna) and Prison and Penal Reforms (UNODC office, Nigeria).