Speaking during the inauguration, Danilo Campisi, Deputy Country Representative of UNODC in Nigeria said that the groundbreaking initiative aims to challenge the stigma associated with imprisonment.
This, he said would be by highlighting the potential for growth and change within inmates.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration was done to celebrate the 2024 Nelson Mandela International Day.
Campisi said that the program aspired to reduce the rate of re-offending and contribute to safer communities by focusing on rehabilitation and skill development.
“Through this programme, inmates can engage in meaningful activities that stimulate their minds and promote a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
“Nelson Mandela believed in the potential for change within every individual, and chess can fuel that change,”he said.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Campisi, said “Chess, with its intellectual rigor and strategic thinking, can equip inmates with critical life skills, improve their mental health, and provide a constructive outlet for their energy.
According to him, while inmates may have made wrong choices in life, it is crucial that we support and empower them with skills that aid their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
“UNODC is excited about this initiative and the partnership with the NCoS and Chess in Slums Africa.
“Through this programme, we hope to see the next chess champions emerge from the custodial centre.
“UNODC, the NCoS and Chess in Slums Africa invite you to support this initiative and follow the journey of the inmates as they learn, grow, and transform through the game of chess,”.
Campisi commended the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) for funding the initiative as well as the Federal Government of Germany (2021-2023) for its work on prison and penal reform in Nigeria.
Earlier, the NCoS Controller of Corrections, Borno State, Abdullahi Mbaya, emphasised that the support from UNODC with funding from the INL, would help the correctional service achieve a lot.
Mbaya said that it would also help in showcasing the remarkable talents and abilities of inmates in Borno custodial centre.
“This intervention will contribute to the Correctional Service fulfilling its mandate regarding rehabilitation of inmates.
“It will also allow the public to see the potential of the inmates, inspiring hope for their futures beyond the walls of the custodial centres,”he said.
Also, Tunde Onakoya, Founder of Chess in Slums Africa, shared his vision saying “we have seen firsthand how chess can transform lives in the most challenging environments.
“Bringing chess to custodial centres is a natural extension of our mission to use the game as a tool for social change.
“We are honoured to partner with UNODC to make this a reality.”he said.
Inmates expressed their excitement about the programme, stating that learning chess would provide them with a mental escape and a new way to approach problem-solving.
One of the inmate who participated in the pilot phase said “Chess teaches us to think before we act, to plan ahead. These are lessons that go beyond the game,”.
NAN reports that the initiative was inaugurated following the inauguration and handover of a newly built, equipped clinic and a furnished showroom constructed to display products made by inmates from the two custodial centres in Borno state.
UNODC also donated sports equipment and apparel to six custodial centres in northeast Nigeria, including Maiduguri Maximum and Medium Security Custodial Centers in Borno, aiming to promote sports in these facilities.(NAN
