By Henry Nnam
The Plateau Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has organised a football tournament for inmates at the Jos Custodial Centre.
Speaking during the kick-off of the competition on Tuesday, Mr James Fadul, the Controller of Corrections in the state, said that the competition had 15 other teams drawn from other communities in Jos.
Fadul explained that the competition had the theme “Behind the Walls Peace Tournament”,
He said that the tournament aimed at promoting rehabilitation, talent development, teamwork and the reintegration of inmates into the society.
He added that the initiative was part of the reform agenda of the Controller-General of Corrections.
“This tournament is designed not merely as a sporting activity, but as a platform to promote rehabilitation, reformation and reintegration.
“It will help in building bridges between inmates, personnel and the outside world,” he said.
In a goodwill message, Mr Ayodeji Faniya, the Commissioner of Police in Plateau, who commended NCoS for the initiative, said that it would boost peace and unity in Jos and evirons.
“Sport is not just for recreation; it unifies and unity is what we need for our contemporary Nigeria to move forward,” Faniyan said.
Also speaking, Dr Amos Lopus, a Director in the Plateau Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, commended NCoS for the initiative.
He particularly said that the initiative would complement government’s efforts in addressing youth restiveness and other social vices in the society.
“We commend NCoS for creating a platform to harness talents that will represent Plateau and the country in the near future,” he said.
Mr John Christopher, the Chairman of Jos North Local Government Area, was the special guest of honour at the event.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Dr Suleiman Kwande, the Chairman of the Plateau Football Association, and heads of other security agencies in the state also attended kick-off of the tournament.(NAN)