Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has approved the commencement of the 2025 Judiciary Games to be hosted in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, marking the first time the state will host the prestigious sporting event that brings together judicial officers from across the country.
The games, scheduled to kick off in November, will feature sporting activities such as football, athletics, volleyball, table tennis, chess, scrabble, and badminton among various departments of the judiciary.
According to a statement by the Judiciary Sports Association of Nigeria (JUSAN), the event is designed to foster unity, relaxation, and physical wellbeing among judicial workers who are often engaged in high-pressure professional routines.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, while approving the hosting arrangements, said the Judiciary Games demonstrate that members of the bench and bar are not only interpreters of the law but also active contributors to national wellbeing through recreation and teamwork.
“A sound mind requires a sound body. The Judiciary Games are not just a competition, but a reminder that health and service to justice go hand in hand,” she said.
The Akwa Ibom State Government has expressed its readiness to host the participants, assuring that sporting facilities in Uyo, including the Nest of Champions Stadium, have been placed at the disposal of the organisers.
Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot, said the state judiciary is “honoured to host this landmark event” and sees it as an opportunity to showcase Akwa Ibom’s hospitality and promote unity within the judicial community.
Observers believe that beyond sports, the event offers an informal platform for cross-judicial networking and the exchange of ideas that could enhance efficiency and collegiality within Nigeria’s justice system.
