Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, have stressed that the physical and mental wellbeing of judicial officers and staff is essential to the effective administration of justice.
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They spoke on Saturday in Kaduna at the opening ceremony of the 32nd Annual Judiciary Sports Competition organised by the National Sports Association of Judiciary.
Governor Sani, who was represented by the Kaduna State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, James Kanyip, said the strength of the judiciary depended not only on laws, procedures, precedents and court infrastructure, but also on the competence, integrity and wellbeing of those who work within the justice system.
“The strength of our courts rests not only on laws, procedures, precedents and facilities, but on the competence, integrity and well-being of the people who serve in the courts,” Sani said.
He said sporting activities provided judicial officers and staff with an opportunity to maintain physical fitness, build professional relationships and strengthen teamwork outside the courtroom.
According to him, many of the values promoted through sports are equally important to the proper administration of justice.
“This competition gives judicial personnel a valuable opportunity to promote physical fitness, build professional relationships and enjoy healthy recreation.
“It also reinforces values that matter in the courtroom as much as on the field — fairness, respect for the rule of law, discipline, teamwork and regard and respect for others,” he said.
Sani described the judiciary as a central pillar of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, noting that the courts perform critical responsibilities in interpreting laws, resolving disputes, protecting rights and maintaining constitutional order.
He commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria for what he described as her attention to the welfare of judicial officers and staff and said Kaduna State’s hosting of the competition reflected the government’s commitment to cooperation among public institutions.
The governor urged participants to approach the competition with determination while respecting the rules and one another.
Speaking while declaring the event open, Justice Kekere-Ekun similarly emphasised the importance of the health and wellbeing of judicial personnel to the effectiveness of judicial institutions.
The CJN, who was represented by the Chief Judge of Kaduna State, Justice Mohammed Tukur Muazu, said sporting activities could help judicial officers and staff improve their physical fitness, reduce stress and maintain the balance required for effective professional performance.
“The effectiveness of judicial institutions depends, in part, on the well-being of the men and women who serve within them,” the CJN said.
She observed that judicial responsibilities demanded considerable concentration, diligence, patience and sustained commitment, making recreation and physical wellbeing important for personnel within the justice sector.
Kekere-Ekun also said sporting activities encouraged teamwork, discipline, perseverance and respect for rules, values which she said remained relevant both on the field and in the discharge of judicial and administrative responsibilities.
“Equally important, sporting activities encourage teamwork, discipline, perseverance and respect for rules.
“These values are as relevant on the field of play as they are in the discharge of our respective professional responsibilities,” she said.
The CJN commended the National Sports Association of Judiciary for sustaining the annual competition and creating an avenue for judicial officers and staff from different parts of the country to interact, renew professional relationships and strengthen fellowship.
She also thanked the Kaduna State Government for hosting the event and urged participating teams to compete with commitment, fairness and respect for their opponents.
Earlier, President of NASAJ, Comrade Noah Sunday, commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria for what he described as her continued support and encouragement of sporting activities within the judiciary.
The competition brings together judicial officers and staff from across the country, with organisers presenting it as an avenue to promote fitness, professional bonding and cooperation within the justice sector.
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