The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, has urged all Heads of Courts across the country to adopt policies that promote the mental and physical wellbeing of judicial officers.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/idrinstitute.png")
Justice Kekere-Ekun made the call on Monday at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Roundtable for Heads of Courts, organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.
According to the CJN, the physical and mental health of judges are critical to ensuring sound judgement and maintaining the overall effectiveness of the judiciary.
She said, “Leadership of the judiciary also demands renewed attention to the wellbeing of judicial officers. The demands of our work are immense, requiring deep concentration, discipline, and emotional balance. I am therefore pleased that the agenda for this Roundtable includes a session devoted to wellness, stress management, and healthy living.
“A strong and healthy judiciary begins with judges who are mentally alert and physically sound. The Nauru Declaration on Judicial Wellbeing, adopted in 2023, and the subsequent designation of July 25 as the International Day of Judicial Wellbeing, reaffirm the universal recognition that the health and wellness of judges are integral to judicial independence, ethical decision-making, and justice delivery.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that the judiciary’s commitment to those principles must be evident in deliberate policies and supportive environments that enable judicial officers to thrive personally and professionally.
Speaking on the theme of the Roundtable, “Leading for Change and Building a Stronger Judiciary,” she described it as timely, noting that it calls for reflection on the roles of judicial leaders as custodians of justice and stewards of the Constitution.
“The judiciary remains the cornerstone of democracy and the last refuge of the common man. Yet, we must recognise that the world around us is evolving rapidly. The rise of technology, the complexity of governance, and the dynamic nature of society call for a judiciary that is proactive, visionary, and responsive.
“Leadership in this era must be adaptive, guided by innovation, and rooted in integrity. Our institutions must remain resilient and effective, capable of meeting the demands of modern justice delivery while preserving the timeless values of fairness, independence, and accountability,” she stated.
The CJN further stressed the need for institutional reforms to enhance efficiency, transparency, and public trust in the judiciary.
“The speed, accessibility, and transparency of our justice system directly shape public confidence. Justice delayed, or perceived to be opaque, diminishes the trust that sustains our legitimacy. We must therefore continue to champion reforms that make our courts more efficient, our procedures more transparent, and our officers more responsive to the needs of the people we serve,” she said.
In his welcome address, the Administrator of the NJI, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, underscored the importance of continuous learning and collaboration among judicial leaders.
He noted that for the judiciary to remain effective in a rapidly changing world, judges must stay abreast of emerging trends, embrace innovation, and adopt global best practices.
“Equally important is collaboration among Heads of Courts and other Judicial Officers. As first among equals, fostering camaraderie and mutual respect among colleagues promotes synergy and optimizes productivity. A well-coordinated judicial structure is vital for enhancing service delivery, eliminating procedural bottlenecks, and ensuring smooth justice administration,” Justice Adejumo added.
A timely new publication, Casebook on Privacy & Data Protection in Nigeria, co-authored by Olumide Babalola and Uchenna Nnawuchi,📘Casebook on Privacy & Data Protection in Nigeria is now available on Amazon:https://a.co/d/8TmFZrd
______________________________________________________________________
Alexander Payne Co. Law Reports
Contact & Orders 📞 0704 444 4777 | 0704 444 4999 | 0818 199 9888 🌐 www.alexandernigeria.com
______________________________________________________________________ Groundbreaking Guide For Lawyers: Adigwe Publishes ‘Artificial Intelligence For Lawyers’ With Free Research eBook
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACiarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
