Thursday of last week marked yet another milestone in my journey as a journalist. It was particularly significant because it was my second visit to a prison, now more appropriately referred to as a correctional centre.
Unlike my first experience, however, this visit carried a different weight and sense of purpose as this time, my destination was the Goron Dutse Correctional Centre in Kano.
As I made my way there, I was filled with a mix of curiosity and reflection, aware that such environments offer more than just stories because they provide a deeper understanding of society, justice, and the human condition.
The visit was not merely about observation, but about engaging with a system that is often misunderstood, yet plays a critical role in rehabilitation and reform.
Stepping into the facility, I was reminded that behind the walls and security measures are real lives, complex stories, and the ongoing effort to redefine punishment into correction.
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For me, it was not just another assignment, but a meaningful chapter in my professional and personal growth as a sports journalist.
The experience carried a sense of familiarity, yet it also felt distinctly different, shaped by the purpose of the visit and the people involved.
My first encounter with such an environment had been months earlier at the Kurmawa Correctional Centre, an experience that left a lasting impression on me.
Once again, the opportunity came through the Sports Officer of the Kano State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), CNS Jamilu Uba Adamu, whose consistent support for media engagement continues to open important doors.
It was through his thoughtful invitation that I became part of a meaningful outreach initiative, one that went beyond routine reporting and placed me at the heart of an important social intervention.
He extended the opportunity for me to accompany the Kano State Commander of the NDLEA, CN Dahiru Lawan Yahaya, along with his team, on an anti-drug sensitization tour to the Goron Dutse Correctional Centre.
The visit formed part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse through education, awareness, and engagement, particularly among inmates who are in a critical phase of reflection and potential reform.
Being included in such an initiative provided a rare vantage point, not only to observe the agency’s work firsthand but also to witness the impact of awareness and advocacy within a correctional setting.
Therefore, accompanying the Commander and his officers to cover the sports event popularly called Tug of War, I looked forward to observing how this initiative would unfold within the correctional environment, where rehabilitation and reformation remain critical goals.
The event was scheduled to commence on Thursday morning of last week, and I was asked to be at the venue by 10:00 a.m. promptly.
At first, I declined the invitation due to some pressing engagements, informing the Sports Officer, Jamilu Uba, that I would be unable to attend.
However, after a brief reconsideration, I had a change of heart and quickly reached out to let him know that I would, after all, be present.
A few minutes before the appointed time, I set out from Fagge, heading toward the Goron Dutse Correctional Centre.
The journey was relatively short and smooth, taking only a few minutes to arrive, just in time for the commencement of the programme.
On arrival, I was directed to wait at the entry point alongside the security personnel manning the gate of the facility, pending the arrival of the NDLEA team.
The brief pause offered a moment to take in the controlled environment and the strict security protocols that define such institutions.
A few minutes later, the convoy conveying the Kano State NDLEA Commander, CN Dahiru Lawan Yahaya, and his team came into view.
The vehicles drove steadily to the facility’s main entrance and parked, signalling the beginning of the day’s engagement.
Almost immediately, the State Controller of the Correctional Centre, Ahmed Yusuf, descended from his upstairs office alongside members of his management team, including the facility’s Sports Officer, Malam Tijjani, to receive the delegation.
They warmly welcomed the NDLEA Commander and his entourage before escorting him, along with some of his senior officers, to the Controller’s office for a brief interaction ahead of the main engagement.
Other members of the entourage, including the Sports Officer and the Assistant PRO, remained downstairs at the reception area along with me, as we awaited the commencement of the main event.
The atmosphere was calm and anticipatory, with everyone positioned and ready for the activities that would soon unfold.
Shortly after, an officer bearing the insignia of the Coat of Arms and a star, later introduced to me as the facility’s second-in-command, Aliyu Yakub, approached and addressed us.
He briefed us on the entry protocol, instructing that all mobile phones be deposited at the reception for security reasons.
A register, in the form of a white paper slip, was then passed around for us to write our names and append our signatures before gaining access into the main facility, a procedure we promptly complied with.
Thereafter, we were ushered in one after another. Moving in an orderly manner, we made our way into the facility and headed straight to the playground, where a canopy had been set up.
Beneath it was a neatly arranged seating area positioned at the center edge of the field, clearly prepared for the day’s sensitization programme.
After taking our respective seats, a Koroso drumming group, comprising both staff of the centre and inmates, was already stationed beside the canopy.
They provided rhythmic entertainment with their traditional drums, creating a lively atmosphere that softened the formal tone of the gathering and engaged everyone present as they awaited the commencement of the sensitization programme.
After settling into my seat, my attention naturally shifted to the field where the event was to take place, as well as its immediate surroundings.
I took a moment to observe the environment closely, noting the general condition of the facility’s open space and seating arrangement.
While it was clear that the infrastructure was not yet at an ideal or fully modern standard, it still appeared relatively better and bigger when compared to what I had previously observed at the Kurmawa Correctional Centre.
Extending my scope of watch wider, I still noticed that nearly all those inmates I was able to set my eyes on were youth, an indication that the youth indulged in criminality in the society.
As I settled into my seat and took in the surroundings, my thoughts drifted into deeper reflection. I found myself quietly questioning how things often take such different turns in people’s lives, and where exactly the system or even society at large might have gone wrong.
It was difficult not to reflect on the reality that some individuals who, under different circumstances, might have been contributing meaningfully across various fields of human endeavour, now find themselves within the confines of a correctional environment for one reason or another.
The contrast between potential and present circumstance raised broader thoughts about choices, systems, opportunity gaps, and the many factors that shape human outcomes beyond a single moment or decision.
Before I could fully settle into those thoughts, movement at the front signalled the start of the programme.
The Kano State Commander of the NDLEA, CN Dahiru Lawan Yahaya, alongside his top management staff, was led into the playground by the Controller of the Correctional Centre, Ahmed Yusuf.
Their arrival marked the official commencement of the day’s sensitization event, drawing attention back to the purpose of the gathering and setting the tone for the activities that were about to unfold.
The Master of Ceremonies, whose name I could not immediately ascertain, then called for the opening prayers.
Both Muslim and Christian prayers were offered, setting a respectful and inclusive tone for the event.
This was followed by the formal introduction of the dignitaries and personalities present, carefully acknowledging representatives from the NDLEA, the Correctional Centre management, and other guests.
DCN Maimuna Garba of the NDLEA explained that sports is one of the strategic approaches the Command uses to sensitise the public on the dangers of drug abuse.
She noted that the initiative is not only targeted at society at large, but also at inmates within correctional facilities, who are being reminded of the consequences of drug use and the importance of steering clear of it.
According to her, engaging people through sports creates a more interactive and relatable platform for awareness, making the message of drug prevention more impactful and easier to internalise.
Soon after, attention shifted to the first activity of the day, a tug of war match between the inmates and the NDLEA personnel.
In a display of strength and coordination, the inmates quickly overpowered their visitors, drawing cheers and laughter from the audience and adding a spirited, competitive energy to the programme.
Immediately after the first match, an officer of the NDLEA took the stage to address the audience on the dangers of drug abuse.
He spoke in clear terms about the harmful effects of illicit drugs on human health, emphasizing how they damage vital organs, impair judgment, and gradually destroy both physical and mental wellbeing.
To strengthen his message, he went further to give a practical demonstration illustrating the impact of drugs and other solution on the human body.
The demonstration helped to visually reinforce his points, making the risks more tangible and easier for the audience, particularly the inmates to understand and reflect upon.
The second match, featuring another set of NDLEA personnel against a different group of inmates, was then staged.
It turned out to be a closely contested encounter, but once again, the inmates emerged victorious.
Their win drew loud cheers and visible admiration from the spectators, who responded with applause and excitement at the spirited display from both sides.
Similarly, the final match, which was staged between two groups of inmates, also drew enthusiastic applause and heightened excitement within the arena and beyond.
The friendly rivalry and display of strength and coordination further energized the atmosphere, culminating in visible jubilation among the inmates.
After the sporting activities, attention shifted once again as the Koroso dancers were given the opportunity to showcase their performance.
Their energetic drumming and traditional dance routines added colour and cultural vibrancy to the event, sustaining the lively mood of the gathering.
Speaking before the conclusion of the event, the Kano State Commander of the NDLEA, CN Dahiru Lawan Yahaya, commended both the players and the spectators for their impressive participation and spirited conduct throughout the programme.
He expressed satisfaction with the level of engagement and the positive energy displayed during the various activities.
He further urged the inmates to pay close attention to the messages delivered by his officers on the dangers of drug abuse, stressing the importance of taking those lessons seriously.
He advised them to completely distance themselves from drugs and related substances, emphasizing that doing so would be crucial to their health, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration into society.
CN Yahaya emphasized that the war against drug abuse must be holistic, combining enforcement with education, engagement, and empowerment.
He noted that sports serve as a universal language capable of breaking barriers, instilling values, and redirecting youthful energy toward positive pursuits.
He further called for the establishment of a Drug-Free Club within the correctional centre, which, according to him, would serve as a structured platform for continuous engagement and would work closely with his office in the broader campaign for a drug-free society.
In addition, he announced the donation of a sack of garri, carton of Kleen detergent, and other essential items by the Command.
He also made a personal cash donation of one hundred thousand naira to the participating inmates in recognition of their involvement in the programme.
Speaking at the close of the event, the Controller of the Correctional Centre, CC Ahmed Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the visiting NDLEA team for their sensitization effort and impactful engagement.
He thanked them for their time and commitment, and wished them a safe return to their office.
On a final note, it was evident that youths made up a significant portion of the population I observed at the Goron Dutse Correctional Centre.
This reality calls for deeper reflection on the role of families and society in prevention and guidance.
Parents, in particular, are urged to intensify their efforts in raising and caring for their children.
Beyond providing basic needs, there is a growing need for close attention to their movements, daily activities, and social associations.
Knowing where children go and the company they keep can go a long way in preventing negative influences and helping to steer them away from behaviours that may lead to conflict with the law.
Ultimately, stronger family involvement remains a key foundation in building responsible youths and reducing the chances of avoidable incarceration.
