The Ogun State Judiciary football team has beaten its counterpart from the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, by a lone goal to nil in a novelty football match played at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto, Abeokuta, on Wednesday.
The novelty match was part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Ogun State Judiciary.
The NBA team had a chance to restore parity in the second half of the match through a penalty awarded in the dying minutes but was denied by a superb save from the Judiciary goalkeeper.
Speaking after the match, the Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, adding that it further reiterates the judiciary’s commitment to promoting a healthy work-life balance for its staff.
Justice Dipeolu therefore encouraged staff of the State Judiciary to incorporate sports into their work routine, highlighting the benefits for productivity and well-being.
“We encourage our staff to be involved in sporting activities, even at work.
“For instance, during Justice Olopade’s time, she started this sports team, and we had an arena at the Isabo High Court for sports. So most times after work, the staff would go there and play table tennis, opon-ayo, ludo, chess, and other games like that.
“And this can be taken to a greater height. I know that at the national level, there is a football competition organised every year at the National Judiciary Council, and states participate,” she said.
The Chief Judge disclosed that the state judiciary has grown over the years, highlighting increases in the number of judges, judicial divisions, magisterial districts, and research officers.
“We thank God that we have progressed. The Ogun State Judiciary started at Isabo with the High Court and the Magistrate Court. The High Court started with five judges, but today there are 36 judges. Ogun State Judiciary started with five judicial divisions; today we have 11 judicial divisions. We had 21 magisterial districts; now we have over 40 magistrates.
“Now, we also have judicial research officers who assist judges in the discharge of their duties. We have expanded. We have the multi-door courthouse, the family courts, and small claims courts. So we have expanded. We have really, really expanded.
“Initially, there was just the Chief Registrar and two deputies. Now, we have six deputies at the High Court and two directors at the multi-door courthouse, so we have really expanded,” she added.
