Barcelona team has emerged winner of the 2026 Abakaliki MSCC Championship held on Friday,, at Abakaliki medium security custodial center. Barcelona team defeated Arsenal team with 2-1 to lift the trophy.
Speaking during event, the special guest and Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, represented by his Special Assistant on sports development, Mr Pius Nwankwo commended the organizers, assuring of Government continued support and encouragement.
He enjoined the inmates to see their present situation as a learning field, expressing confidence that most of them would regain freedom before the grand finale of next year's championship.
Earlier, the controller of corrections, Nigeria Correction service, Ebonyi State Command, Mrs Chika Igwugwu, highlighted that sports provide a healthy and constructive way of occupying time, promoting physical fitness, encouraging positive social interaction and reducing idleness.
"For some of our inmates, this field may even provide an opportunity to discover talents that can be developed into legitimate livelihoods when they return to society.
"This is why we believe that reformation must address the whole person—the mind, body, character, skills and values".
She emphasized that thoug, some of the inmate may have made mistake, but that mistake does not have to become the final definition of his or her life.
According to her, the purpose of correctional administration is not simply to punish.
It is also to create an environment where individuals can reflect on their actions, accept responsibility, acquire new skills, develop positive attitudes and prepare themselves for responsible living after release.
"Our ultimate success is therefore not measured only by how securely we keep a person in custody.
Our greatest success is when a person leaves custody determined and equipped to live a lawful, productive and responsible life.
That is the essence of reformation".
She encouraged the inmate that participated in the competition not to allow their present status to defined their future.
"To our dear inmates who have participated in this year's festival, I want you to listen carefully to this message:
Do not allow your present circumstances to convince you that your future is already determined.
You still have a future.
You still have abilities.
You still have something valuable to contribute to society.
If you win today, win with humility.
If you lose, accept defeat with dignity and learn from it.
But whether you receive a medal or not, let your greatest prize be the discipline, friendship, confidence and determination you have gained through this festival.
Remember:
The greatest victory is not defeating another person on the field. The greatest victory is defeating the weaknesses within yourself.
When your time comes to return to society, return with a new mindset, a new skill, a new purpose and a determination to make a positive difference".
Mrs Igwugwu, appreciated the support of Ebonyi State government and called for stronger partnership with civil society organization, philanthropist, religious organizations, development partners, private sectors among others to support their programs as government alone cannot shoulder the whole responsibility.
"Distinguished guests, the Nigerian Correctional Service cannot accomplish the enormous task of reformation and reintegration alone.
Government has an important role to play, but society also has a role to play.
This is why we sincerely appreciate the Government of Ebonyi State, our philanthropists, religious organisations, civil society organisations, development partners, private sector organisations, community leaders and all individuals who have continued to support our programmes.
However, there is still much more to be done.
We need stronger partnerships and sustainable support in the areas of sports development, education, vocational and skills acquisition, healthcare, psychosocial support, entrepreneurship and post-release reintegration.
I therefore appeal to well-meaning individuals and organisations to see the Nigerian Correctional Service as a partner in building a safer society.
Your support could be a piece of sporting equipment.
It could be a vocational tool.
It could be educational materials.
It could be mentorship.
It could be an opportunity for employment after release.
Or it could simply be the decision to tell a reformed person:
"You can start again."
Sometimes, what appears small to us may become the turning point in another person's life".
Highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the Jessy for the next year's championship, and handing over of trophy and medals to winner and other officials of the championship.
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