The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has approved the commencement of the 2025 edition of the National Judiciary Games, to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, the National President of the National Sports Association for Judiciary (NASAJ), Sunday Noah, said the association is fully prepared to host the annual sporting activities, which bring together judiciary staff from across the country.

According to Noah, the CJN’s approval of Akwa Ibom State as the host state was influenced by the state’s peaceful atmosphere and its readiness to provide standard sporting facilities.”We have inspected all facilities and everything is in perfect condition for the kickoff,” he said. “Any state we visit, we spotlight their cultural heritage. This year, it will be an opportunity for Akwa Ibom to showcase its rich traditions.”Noah noted that the judiciary games, which were founded in 1994 by the late Justice Mohammed Bello, were established to promote physical fitness, unity, and camaraderie among judiciary workers.The maiden edition of the tournament was held in Lagos in 1995.

It was won by the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney-General of the Federation’s team, while the last edition took place in Minna, Niger State.Noah noted that the tournament has been held consistently and has always been conducted with the decorum for which judicial officials are known.He said the upcoming competition will feature over 10,000 athletes competing in various sports, including table tennis, handball, swimming, and other events.

According to him, the annual event is an avenue for identifying talent, as some of its officials have gone on to become notable names at national sporting events.”We are not only known for carrying files,” Noah added humorously, “but we also have skilful sportsmen and women in the judiciary.

“The 2025 tournament will commence from November 20 to December 3 in Akwa Ibom with participants drawn from staff of the judiciary across the states and FCT, with 12 affiliates.In other news, the Talent Discovering Committee set up by the National Sports Commission (NSC) at the 9th National Youth Games has identified a large number of stars to be groomed for future challenges.

After nine days of competition, the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) will end in Asaba.The Games have lived up to their billing as the cradle of tomorrow’s champions, with Team Lagos and Edo wrestling the number one position for Team Delta, who had won all past editions from inception in 2013.As of Friday, Team Lagos had stormed to the summit of the medal table with a huge gap of 82 medals, which includes 40 gold, 25 silver, and 17 bronze.

Team Delta climbed into second place after claiming three gold medals in Athletics to tie Team Edo on 30 gold medals but pulled ahead of their neighbours due to superior silver medals.