By Peter Omopo
The 32nd Annual Judiciary Sports Competition organised by the National Sports Association for Judiciary (NASAJ) has commenced in Kaduna, bringing together judicial officers and staff from across the country for sporting activities aimed at promoting fitness, unity and professional relationships.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Saturday, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani said the well-being of judicial officers and staff was essential to maintaining an effective justice system.
The governor, who was represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir James Kanyip, noted that the effectiveness of the judiciary depended not only on laws, procedures and infrastructure but also on the competence, integrity and welfare of those responsible for administering justice.
He said the competition offered participants an opportunity to improve their physical fitness, strengthen professional relationships and engage in recreation outside their official responsibilities.
Sani also highlighted the role of sports in the state’s development agenda, noting that it promotes good health, nurtures talent, creates opportunities for young people and supports local businesses.
He disclosed that the state was investing in sports infrastructure and talent development, including the planned redevelopment of Ahmadu Bello Stadium in partnership with the National Sports Commission, with a proposed capacity of 32,000.
In her remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, represented by the Chief Judge of Kaduna State, Justice Muhammad Tukur Aliyu, described the competition as an opportunity for members of the judiciary to interact outside the courtroom, renew friendships and strengthen professional bonds.
She emphasised that judicial officers and other personnel, including administrative, technical and support staff, played important roles in the administration of justice and deserved attention to their physical and mental well-being.
The Chief Justice added that sporting activities help relieve stress while promoting teamwork, discipline, perseverance and respect for rules. She commended NASAJ for sustaining the annual competition and thanked the Kaduna State Government for hosting the event.
Earlier, NASAJ President, Comrade Noah Sunday, expressed appreciation to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Governor Uba Sani and the Chief Judge of Kaduna State for supporting the competition.
Sunday said the event promoted discipline, integrity, fairness, excellence, mutual respect and unity among members of the judiciary.
He urged participants to compete fairly, respect the rules and show consideration for their opponents, stressing that the competition was also an opportunity to build camaraderie and strengthen relationships across the judicial community.
At the opening ceremony, the National Judicial Council emerged first in the march-past, followed by the Court of Appeal in second place and the Body of Benchers in third.
