As a way of addressing the awaiting trial syndrome, prison congestion and challenges facing the Nigeria Correctional System, a frontline Non-Governmental Organization in Nigeria, Legend Golden Care Foundation (LGCF), has intensified collaborative efforts to accelerate the proposed criminal justice system reforms in the country.
The Executive Director of the Foundation, Mrs. Kanayo Olisa-Metuh, disclosed this on Wednesday at the kick-off of the second edition of its sponsored sports tournament, tagged, “Hope for freedom Tournament” at Kuje Medium Correctional Center in Abuja.
In line with its passion for the well-being of inmates in the Correctional Centers, she said, the Foundation is upscaling its public advocacy and pressure on government institutions in addition to sustained provision of pro-bono legal services, counselling, welfare, healthcare, education and skill acquisition packages and programmes for inmates and those on society re-entry corridor.
The Executive Director stressed that the Foundation is not only passionate about reforms in the Criminal Justice System but also about the wellbeing and development of inmates through social activities such as sports.
“As a Foundation, it is not news that we are very passionate about reform in the Criminal Justice system, we are also very passionate about the welfare of people that are incarcerated, and to that end, we want to reiterate that this is not a one-off activity.
“Research has shown that physical activity and exercise is very good not just for your physical well-being but for your mental well-being as well. It has also shown that in Correctional Facilities where inmates embrace physical activities, it does a lot for their psychological wellbeing and goes a long way to reduce depression.
“So it is an honour to be able to do this. You know, we are firm believers that when God blesses an individual or an institution, He doesn’t do it just for their sake, He does it to use them as a conduit to bless other people” She said.
Explaining why the game is tagged “Hope for Freedom”, Mrs. Kanayo Olisa-Metuh said that it is targeted promoting positive mindset among inmates adding that “freedom is not just a physical thing, it is also a state of the mind. Let me reiterate that this is not a one-off activity, this has come to stay.”
She further assured that the Foundation will not relent in providing pro-bono legal service and welfare programmes for inmates
Speaking at the event, Deputy Controller of Prisons, DCP Christopher Jen applauded the Foundation for its support to the Nigeria Correctional Service adding that, LGCF has become a source of hope and inspiration for the inmates
The Foundation provided sports wears, footballs, volleyballs and other items to make the tournament a success. The tournament is expected to last for five weeks.
Legend Golden Care Foundation is a charity and human rights Non-Governmental Organization which focuses on the material needs of the vulnerable, poverty alleviation, education support, community development, rights advocacy and pro-bono legal services to the underprivileged, including inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centers.
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