The Nigeria correctional centre, NCC, Enugu command has appealed to the Enugu State Government and other stakeholders to assist them in managing and taking care of the over population of inmates at the facility.
The officer in charge of the centre, S.E Oyakhire made the appeal during a novelty final match between the Awaiting Trial Inmate, ATM and Inmate on Death Row, IDR, played at the custodial centre premises.
Oyakhire who enjoined the state commissioner for Youths and Sports, Barr. Ilyod Ekweremadu to be their ambassador disclosed that the centre have an inmate population of 2685 whereas the facility was originally established to accommodate 638 inmates.
Hear him; “It is indeed remarkable that you will be the first commissioner for Youths and Sports to visit this facility, and we are convinced that this interest you have come to show today will promote future working relationship with us.
“There is no doubt that the facility is congested, that is why as it stands today, the establishment and operations of the Nigerian Correctional Service is now on the concurrent list in our constitution which has opened up the management and interventions to other stakeholders other than the Federal Government.
It is on this premise we particularly wish to use this visit to encourage you to stand as one of our ambassadors in disseminating this information to other well-meaning Nigerians.
“Presently, two annual football competitions being sponsored by individuals which is principally the child of scouting for football talents that can compete favorably with other players all over the world in being celebrated, and from this competition many football talents have been discovered.
“Despite the doors to this Centre is presumed to be locked because it is a penitentiary yard, but the doors could be opened to anyone that tends to knock for possible assistance.
Barr. Ekweremadu who reminded the inmates that prison is not the end of someone’s life, commended the management for managing the inmates amids over population of inmates at the centre.
He charged the inmates to be focused and committed to learn skills and be hopeful of being reintroduced to the larger society, saying that prison is not the end of life.
“I am happy to be part of this momentuous occasion. Of course you know this is the season of lent and it’s important as a Christian and those who serve God to spend our time with inmates and less privileged. Having come here to the custodial, beyond anything, it’s like a community and live is bubbling despite all odds.
“But for me having being in custodial centre does not mean the end of life or end of someone’s world. That’s why we are taking part in the football competition to know if we can spot talents. Perhaps, some of the talents identified today can go on and make us proud. I thank the management of the facility for their efforts in managing the inmates even though the facility is congested,” he said.
However, the ATM team defeated the IDR convicted team by 2:1 to emerge the winner of this year’s tournament.
The three goals were scored in the first half of the game. The highlight of the event was donation of some items by Barr. Ekweremadu to the management of the centre and given award to winning teams.
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