Efio-Ita Nyok|26 August 2017
Cross River State Governor, His Excellency Sen. Ben Ayade, welcomed participants to the 23rd Edition of Chief Justice of Nigeria All Judiciary Games 2017 currently taking in Calabar. His Excellency conveyed his warmest welcome to the participating judicial staff on Thursday 24th August via the Secretary to State Government, Mrs Tina Agbor Esq. at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, venue of the opening ceremony.
At the venue of the opening ceremony, Comrade Asu Okang, the state Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, took the stage to formally introduce and welcome the representative of His Excellency, Mrs. Agbor.
The SSG on behalf of the Governor, welcomed the Chief Justice of Nigeria, officials and participants to the Cross River State. She explained that but not for exigencies, His Excellency, would have been on ground to officially meet and greet all.
SSG Agbor proceeded to read the Governor’s speech thus: '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', she concluded.
Efio-Ita Nyok
Is a Blogger, the Editor & Publisher of NegroidHaven
