Ukorebi Esien| 26th August 2017|
The executive governor of Cross River State, sen. prof. Ben Ayade has welcomed all participants in the ongoing Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN game otherswise known as judiciary games to the state.
The opening ceremony which took place on Thursday, 25th August at the U.J. Esuene Sport Stadium had teams members from about 11 judiciary in the Federation match past with the National Judiciary Institute clinching their first gold in this year's competition.
The Opening Ceremony was heightened with an opening Match between Cross River State Judiciary and the Supreme court, with the former beating the visiting team 1-0.
His excellency the Digital governor of Cross River state Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, who was represented by the SSG Bar. Tina Abgor admonished the participants to be steadfast and focus on the game as well as enjoy their stay in the tourism city of Nigeria as he hopes this competition will produce athletes that will one day adorn the national colours of our beloved country.
The governor's Address reads in full:
'I
am extremely delighted to welcome you all to Calabar, for this 10, days sports
fiesta tagged; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Games. I welcome in particular, the
Honourable Chief Justice of Federation, His Lordship, Walter Onnoghen. I also
welcome other senior personnel of the Judiciary from across the Country, who
have come here to grace this event. To the various officials and athletes that
will be show casing their talents at the different events, I also welcome you
to our great and ancient city. I am particularly pleased, with the choice of
Calabar, as host of the 23rd Edition of the Judiciary Games.
'This
choice is underscored by the fact that, we're a hospitable and peace loving
people, who pride ourselves as being the cradle of the football game in
Nigeria. This competition which has football as one of the sports to be
competed for, is therefore, a reminiscence of how it all started.
'I
congratulate our illustrious son, the Honourable Chief Justice of the
Federation, His Lordship Justice Walter Nkanu Onnoghen, for sustaining this
games, which have far reaching impacts on Sports development in our Country.
The Judiciary Games, like others will promote team spirit and create bonding
relationship between participating teams, drown from various Judiciary offices
across the Country.
'Across
the world, sports have become a veritable tool for unity and social
mobilisation. In spites of the ethno linguistic and cultural divide amongst our
people, empirical evidence has shown that, the unity of our dear Country, has
remain unshaken, whenever engagement in sports is concern. This is why, my
administration has taken the bold steep to supporting this games, despite our
lean financial base.
'This
support, is born out of conviction that, this 23rd Edition of the Chief Justice
of Nigeria Judiciary Games, produce renowned athletes that will adorn our
national colours at different sporting events, globally.
'Chioma
Ajunwa, Mary Onyali, Nduka Odizor and other celebrated sport men and women that
have created World records, were discovered from competitions such has this.
'Over the
years, the Cross River State Government has deployed, displayed absolute
commitment to the development of Sports. In football, presently, has two teams.
Unicem Rovers and Pelican Stars Football Club, competing at the professional
male and female leagues respectively. We also have a younger team, Ayade United
Football Club, competing at the national division one league. We also have
Table tennis, Basketball, Volleyball etc. that have represented the State.
'In
preparation to host, the National Sports Festival, which has suffered a few
postponements, due to funding challenges. We are presently carrying out a
comprehensive upgrading of our facilities, including the construction of
Ultra-Modern Indoors Sports Hall, at the UJ Esuene Stadium, venue of this
games.
'Our
Youth Sports Academy, has also produced talents that have won laurels in
several competitions, both locally and international.
'I
congratulate all participating States and her athletes, and urge you all to
imbibe team spirit and ensure fair play, during the competition.
'You must
all see this competition as an opportunity to bond as a Judiciary family and promote
fitness. You must eschew all forms of undue rivalry and animosity for the
organisers and various officials that shall superintend over the various
sports, be reminded that, this games are held under the offices of the
Judiciary, which pride itself with equity, fairness and justice.
'This
elements, should therefore be your watchword in all decisions you take at
various pitches.
'I call
on all Cross Riverians, and other persons residing or doing businesses to take
full advantage of this great event, which has attracted over 1,000 athletes and
official, to engaged in meaningful businesses that will improve their economic
and financial wellbeing.
Please,
show our august-visitors, unparalleled brotherliness and affection.
'For
those undesirable elements that may want to create unnecessary security
breaches, I urge you to retrace your steps, as adequate security measures have
been put in place, to maintain law and order and ensure security of all
residence and visitors.
'Once
again, let me welcome you to our serene State capital, Calabar. I urge you to
take time off and unwind to our tantalizing cuisines and warmest.
We have
an assemblage of tourism spots and including historical sites, within the city
that are every visitors delight. Feel at home and make yourselves very
comfortable. You're all welcome.
0 comments: