The 32nd edition of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Sports Competition will begin in Kaduna on Friday, October 16, bringing together judicial officers and staff from courts and judicial institutions across the country.

The National Sports Association for Judiciary (NASAJ), which organises the annual event, said the competition would run until October 29, with the official opening ceremony scheduled for Saturday, October 17.

The tournament is designed to promote physical fitness, teamwork and stronger professional relationships among members of Nigeria’s judiciary, while providing an opportunity for participants to showcase their sporting abilities.

Competitors will take part in several sporting events, including football, volleyball, handball, lawn tennis, table tennis, badminton, swimming, athletics, scrabble, chess, ayo and other recreational activities.

NASAJ said the competition had become one of the judiciary’s major annual gatherings, providing a platform for judicial officers and staff from different institutions to interact outside their professional responsibilities.

Beyond the sporting contests, the association said the event was intended to strengthen unity, friendship, mental well-being and professional camaraderie among participants.

The association also highlighted the importance of sporting activities in promoting discipline, fairness, integrity and excellence, values it said remained central to the judiciary’s professional responsibilities.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, received commendation from NASAJ for her support for sports development and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of judicial officers and staff.

The association also praised Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, the state government, the Kaduna State Judiciary and the local organising committee for their preparations for the competition.

Kaduna’s hosting of the 32nd edition follows the previous tournament held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, which NASAJ described as a significant milestone in the history of the games.

The association expressed confidence that this year’s edition would provide another opportunity for judicial institutions to compete for honours while reinforcing cooperation and fellowship across the country’s judicial system.

NASAJ has invited members of the public, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders to support the event as participants gather in Kaduna for the two-week competition.