Nigeria Hosts Historic Chess Tournament in Prison
Oru Leonard
In a groundbreaking event, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Chess in Slums Africa, and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) collaborated to host the first-ever Annual Chess in Prisons Championship. Held on December 10, 2024, at the Maiduguri Maximum Security Custodial Centre, the tournament coincided with International Human Rights Day.
The competition saw both prisoners and officers vying for the prestigious title of “Chess Master,” showcasing their developing chess skills and the programme’s emphasis on building sportsmanship, mutual respect, and personal transformation.
Key Outcomes include empowerment through training as over 100 prisoners and officers underwent training sessions, gaining valuable life skills through chess workshops.
Etablishment of Chess Club as Prisoners formed a chess club, with over 200 enrolments recorded.
Fostering Community the event promoted collaboration and shared learning among prisoners and officers, fostering unity.
Advancing Rehabilitation as the initiative strengthened the NCoS’s commitment to meaningful rehabilitation by focusing on cognitive development and positive reinforcement.
Cheikh Toure, UNODC Representative, emphasized the programme’s impact: “Chess is more than just a game; it’s a platform for learning strategy, patience, and decision-making—skills crucial for successful reintegration into society.”
This innovative programme highlights the transformative power of chess in rehabilitating and empowering individuals, promoting human rights and dignity in correctional settings.
