Judge Applauds National Judicial Institute’s Sports Club

Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Hon. Justice Babatunde Adeniran Adejumo, has described the NJI Sports Club as “a formidable force in the judiciary.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to sports development, staff welfare and unity within the institute.

The judge spoke at the opening of the 4th edition of the NJI Inter-Departmental Games, dubbed “Hon. Justice Babatunde Adeniran Adejumo Cup 2026” held at the Institute’s headquarters in Abuja.

Adejumo said he had followed the activities of the sports club with keen interest and noted that the NJI Sports Club is a formidable force in the judiciary.

“As the grand patron of the sports club, I am very proud of you all for always honouring me and carrying the NJI flag flying high,” Adejumo said.

The annual sporting event, organised by the club, brings together staff members  from all departments and units of the institute to promote physical fitness, mental well-being, teamwork and camaraderie ahead of the commencement of the Institute’s academic calendar.

Justice Adejumo noted that the inter-departmental games remain a unique initiative within Nigeria’s judicial system.

“I have been reliably informed that this is the only sporting event within a court or judicial body in the judiciary,” he stated.

He described the games as more than a competition, stressing that they serve as a platform for unity, inclusivity and health awareness among staff of all ages.

“This inter-departmental games serves as a platform for the young, the middle-aged and the not too young, regardless of background or skill level, to come together to experience the joy of physical activity, as well as the thrill of competition coupled with the power of teamwork,” Justice Adejumo said.

Justice Adejumo also disclosed that the NJI has continued to invest in sports infrastructure, including the full refurbishment of the sports clubhouse, the creation of a new sit-out area, and the construction of a brand-new multipurpose court with floodlights to support various sporting activities.

“We are looking forward to re-equipping the gymnasium and other sporting facilities in the near future, and I charge the executive and members of our sports club to put these facilities to good use and bring home more glory to the Institute,” he said.

Urging athletes to uphold sportsmanship, the NJI Administrator called for humility in victory and grace in defeat, while emphasising teamwork and respect among participants.

“Celebrate your victories with humility and learn from your setbacks with grace. Let your passion shine through and inspire others with your dedication,” he advised.

He further challenged the NJI Sports Club to improve its performance at the forthcoming Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Games in 2026.

“In this year 2026, at the forthcoming annual CJN Games, I want to receive news of a better standing from the NJI Sports Club, so put in more effort and more training,” Justice Adejumo stated.

The Team Manager of NJISC, Suleiman Musa Suleiman while speaking to journalists at the event explained that the inter-departmental games, which first held in 2023, was introduced following the re-election of the current NJISC executive committee.

According to Suleiman, the initiative has not only enhanced sports development within the judicial agency but has also helped staff remain physically fit and mentally prepared for the demands of their professional responsibilities.

“This year’s tournament is the fourth edition, and it is proudly christened the Hon. Justice Babatunde Adeniran Adejumo, OFR Cup 2026,” he said, adding that medals and trophies will be presented to outstanding participants.

The tournament features a wide range of sporting, indoor and recreational activities including football, handball, volleyball, lawn tennis, table tennis, badminton, chess, scrabble, draft, ayo and ludo, as well as leisure and novelty events such as marathon, management race, sack race, relay race, egg-and-spoon race, bottle-filling challenge, match-past display and live band performances.