Ibadan: The Federal High Court, Ibadan Division, has emerged victorious in the second edition of the Hon. Justice Benedict Kanyip Table Tennis Tournament held in Ibadan.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the tournament was organized by the National Industrial Court, Ibadan Division, to honor Justice Benedict Kanyip, the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN). The participating teams included the National Industrial Court, Ibadan; Federal High Court, Ibadan; Court of Appeal, Ibadan; and the Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal.
Michael Ajiboye from the Federal High Court clinched the first position, while Muyiwa Faramaye and Olaitan Kolawole, both from the National Industrial Court, Ibadan, secured the second and third places respectively. The winners were awarded trophies, medals, and cash prizes.
Earlier, Justice Dele Peters, the Presiding Judge of NICN, Ibadan Division, stressed that the tournament was more than a sporting event. It symbolized leadership, excellence, and unity within the NICN and the wider Oyo State Judiciary. Peters expressed appreciation for Kanyip’s leadership, noting his commitment to justice and institutional development, which has bolstered confidence in the judicial system.
Peters highlighted the metaphorical significance of sports, particularly table tennis, in embodying justice and leadership qualities such as precision, agility, strategy, and mental discipline. He emphasized that these are essential in the pursuit of justice and that the tournament showcases the human side of the judiciary, valuing wellness, camaraderie, and shared humanity.
In his remarks, Peters applauded Kanyip’s exemplary leadership and his contribution of a new outdoor standard table tennis table for the division. Justice M. Namtari, representing the NICN President from Kano Division, praised the NICN, Ibadan Division, for organizing the event and called for the expansion of the tournament to include judges’ participation.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Abiodun Aikomo (SAN), highlighted the significant role of judges and the entire Nigerian judicial system, acknowledging the importance of physical exercise for its benefits to the body.