Federal High Court Emerges Winner of Industrial Court Table Tennis Tournament in Ibadan

By Umar Zubainatu Kambari

The Federal High Court, Ibadan Division, has emerged winner of the second edition of the Hon. Justice Benedict Kanyip Table Tennis Tournament held in Ibadan.

The tournament was organised by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Ibadan Division, in honour of the President of the NICN, Justice Benedict Kanyip.

Participating teams at the tournament included the National Industrial Court, Ibadan; the Federal High Court, Ibadan; the Court of Appeal, Ibadan; and the Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal.

In the individual category, Michael Ajiboye of the Federal High Court clinched the first position, while Muyiwa Faramaye and Olaitan Kolawole, both of the National Industrial Court, Ibadan Division, finished in second and third positions respectively. Winners at the tournament were presented with trophies, medals and cash prizes.

Earlier, the Presiding Judge of the NICN, Ibadan Division, Justice Dele Peters, said the tournament was more than a sporting event, describing it as a celebration of leadership, excellence and unity within the NICN and the entire Oyo State Judiciary.

Peters explained that the competition was organised to appreciate the leadership of Justice Kanyip, whose commitment to justice, fairness and institutional development, he said, had strengthened the National Industrial Court and boosted public confidence in the judicial system.

“Under his lordship’s stewardship, the court has strengthened its reputation as a bastion of fairness, efficiency and innovation in the administration of labour and employment justice in Nigeria,” he said.

He added that sports, particularly table tennis, provide a fitting metaphor for justice and leadership, noting that the sport demands precision, agility, strategy and mental discipline qualities essential in the pursuit of justice.

“Every serve demands focus; every return requires balance; every rally teaches resilience. In many ways, the game reflects the values that guide the National Industrial Court,” Peters said.

According to him, the tournament also highlighted the importance of wellness, camaraderie and shared humanity within the judiciary, beyond courtrooms and judicial robes.

Represented by Justice M. Namtari of the NICN, Kano Division, Justice Kanyip commended the NICN, Ibadan Division, for organising the tournament and called for its expansion to include the participation of judges in future editions. He was also praised for donating a new outdoor standard table tennis table to the division.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Abiodun Aikomo (SAN), noted that judges and all stakeholders in the judicial system have vital roles to play, while emphasising the importance of physical exercise and its benefits.

Other dignitaries at the event included Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ibadan; Justice S. A. Oyediran; and the Ibadan Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Ibrahim Lawal.