How Football Is Transforming Lives In Nigeria’s Correctional Centers

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Ministry of Interior have embarked on a collaborative effort to utilize football as a catalyst for education, skill development, and leadership among young women in correctional centers nationwide. This initiative, aligned with the Confederation of African Football’s Football for Change project, aims to empower and rehabilitate these women.

Recently, a delegation from the NFF, led by President Ibrahim Gusau, presented this initiative titled ‘Football Good-Naija; EmpowerHer’ to Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Aisha Falode, NFF Executive Committee Member and Chairman of the Women’s Football Sub-Committee, emphasized the increasing number of women in correctional centers, including those awaiting trial or already convicted.

President Gusau expressed the NFF’s commitment beyond football matches, aiming to collaborate with ministries and agencies to facilitate the reform and reintegration of these women into society. He highlighted plans for vocational training and partnerships with organizations and foundations to secure their future.
Minister Tunji-Ojo praised the NFF’s initiative, recognizing its role in community responsibility and addressing the challenges faced by individuals post-incarceration. He emphasized the importance of providing hope and practical avenues for these women to rebuild their lives upon release.

The project draws inspiration from CAF’s gender empowerment initiatives, with successful pilot programs in Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Liberia. For instance, in Sierra Leone, 25 women benefited from the CAF D License Coaching Course while incarcerated at the Freetown Correctional Centre, demonstrating the transformative potential of sports-based interventions.
Overall, the collaboration between the NFF and the Ministry of Interior underscores a proactive approach to societal challenges, using football as a powerful tool for empowerment and rehabilitation among vulnerable populations.