One of the TV sets donated by Hon Agho Oliver
The Member of Parliament of Bafut-Tubah constituency, Hon Agho Oliver has kicked off a two months long Futsal tournament at the Bamenda Central Prison.
While doing the kickoff, the MP said "we are thinking about you because there is no difference between you and us."
Hon Agho talking to the inmates
Speaking from the Book of Hebrews Chapter 13:1-3 which says "Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 3 Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." The MP said he was in prison to see his brothers and sisters because the Bible has commanded him to do so.
He called on the inmates to be law abiding because the prison is just a correctional facility and upon their release, they will be integrated into normal life.
Referencing Mathew 25:31-42, the MP was categorical that those in prison should not pay any attention to those who are formenting trouble in the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon. He called on them to love one another.
The speech of Hon Agho Oliver was preceded by a welcome word by one of the inmates, Fon Ezekiel.
"Thank you honorable for believing in the transformative power of sports. Your commitment to humanitarian works has not gone unnoticed. Reaching out to places often forgotten.
"This tournament is more than a series of matches. It gives us an opportunity to engage in healthy competition and foster friendships amongst one another.
"It is a chance to showcase our talent which offers us joy and unity. It shows that we are not defined by our past mistakes. We will play with integrity, respect and sportsmanship." Fon Ezekiel said.
Fon Ezekiel speaking on behalf of the inmates
Before he could conclude his speech, Fon Ezekiel requested that the inmates were living without television sets and could not be updated as to what is happening in and around the country.
In response, the MP requested that five TV sets be made available. They were bought immediately and handed to the prison administration.
"Use these TV sets very well to get yourselves informed. It is imperative that you are informed so that you can make better decisions in the future." Hon Agho Oliver said.
The euphoria and mobilisation of the inmates, clad in traditional dances from the various villages of the North West was a total delight to the MP who raised the cash prize of the tournament from 200,000 Francs to 500,000 Francs.
NW Regional Delegate of Penitentiary Administration
This was greatly appreciated by the Regional Delegate of Penitentiary Administration and Supretendant in charge of the Central Prison, Asangu Walters.
To ensure that the inmates are better taken care of, the inmates received bags of rice, soap and toiletries for women especially the five mothers with kids. This to the applause of those who showed up.
The opening Futsal match pitted Ward B versus Ward D. Ward B won by 4 goals to zero.
The opening ceremony was witnessed by the Divisional Officer for Bafut, Forkou Andelys, the Mayor of Bamenda I- Mbigha Felix, Mayor of the Bafut Council- Ngwakongoh Lawrence and Mayor of Tubah- Tanjong Martin.
By
Ndi Tsembom Elvis
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