The Federal High Court, Ibadan Division, emerged overall winners of the second edition of the Hon. Justice Benedict Kanyip Table Tennis Tournament held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The tournament was organised by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Ibadan Division, in honour of the President of the court, Justice Benedict Kanyip, as part of efforts to promote unity, wellness and camaraderie within the judiciary.
Participating teams at the event included the National Industrial Court, Ibadan Division; Federal High Court, Ibadan Division; Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division; and the Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal.
Michael Ajiboye of the Federal High Court clinched the top prize to secure overall victory for his team, while Muyiwa Faramaye and Olaitan Kolawole, both representing the National Industrial Court, Ibadan Division, finished second and third respectively. Winners at the tournament were presented with trophies, medals and cash prizes.
Speaking earlier at the event, the Presiding Judge of the NICN, Ibadan Division, Justice Dele Peters, described the tournament as more than a sporting competition, noting that it was a celebration of leadership, excellence and unity within the judiciary.
Justice Peters said the event was organised to appreciate Justice Kanyip’s leadership, adding that his commitment to justice, fairness and institutional development had strengthened the National Industrial Court and boosted public confidence in the judicial system.
According to him, table tennis symbolises qualities such as precision, agility, strategy and mental discipline, which are essential in the pursuit of justice.
He noted that the game mirrors the values that guide the National Industrial Court in the administration of labour and employment justice in Nigeria.
The judge further said the tournament served as a reminder that judicial officers and court staff value wellness, teamwork and shared humanity beyond their official duties.
He also commended Justice Kanyip for his exemplary leadership and for donating a standard outdoor table tennis table to the Ibadan Division.
Represented by Justice M. Namtari of the NICN, Kano Division, Justice Kanyip praised the organisers for a successful event and urged that future editions of the tournament be expanded to include judges as participants.
In his remarks, the Oyo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr Abiodun Aikomo (SAN), underscored the importance of physical exercise, noting its benefits to overall wellbeing and productivity within the judicial system.
Other dignitaries at the event included Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ibadan Division; Justice S. A. Oyediran; and the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, Mr Ibrahim Lawal.
