Jelitop Skills and Empowerment Development Association (J-SEDA) has defeated ALL STATE FC, a football team comprising inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Agodi, Ibadan, 2–1 in a novelty match organised as part of a two-day inmates’ rehabilitation and empowerment programme.
The match, held on Tuesday, saw J-SEDA emerge victorious, taking home the trophy in an event aimed at promoting social inclusion and supporting the rehabilitation of inmates through sports and vocational training.
Speaking at the event, Anjorin Olarewaju, an officer of the Oyo State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), described the programme as a collaborative effort between the Service and non-governmental organisations to enhance the rehabilitation of inmates.
He noted that the initiative aligned with the Service’s commitment to encouraging partnerships with non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to improve inmates’ welfare and rehabilitation.
According to him, J-SEDA had also provided vocational training for inmates in soap-making, cream production and tie-and-dye, with certificates scheduled to be presented to participants on the programme’s second day.
Olarewaju explained that the novelty football match was organised to promote social inclusion and reassure inmates that they remained valued members of society despite their incarceration.
He said the sporting activity would contribute to their mental rehabilitation by fostering a sense of belonging and demonstrating that they continued to enjoy support from the wider society.
He further commended non-governmental organisations supporting the Service’s rehabilitation efforts and urged other organisations to partner with the correctional service in providing inmates with opportunities for personal development.
Similarly, the Managing Director of J-SEDA, Ajeigbe Oluwaseun, said the football match was organised to remind inmates that they remained part of society and deserved opportunities for growth and development.
Oluwaseun disclosed that the two-day programme also featured vocational training in Adire production and other practical skills, adding that certificates would be awarded to the beneficiaries at the conclusion of the programme.
He also called on other non-governmental organisations to support inmates by providing opportunities that would enable them to retain and utilise the skills acquired during their incarceration, particularly after their release.
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The two-day programme is expected to conclude on Wednesday with the presentation of certificates to inmates who participated in the vocational training, marking another step in the organisation’s efforts to promote rehabilitation and skills development within the correctional facility.
