Onitsha (Anambra) – The Chief Judge of Anambra, Justice Peter Umeadi, has urged lawyers to indulge in sports, saying that it is a veritable tool for social development.
Umeadi gave the advice on Tuesday in Onitsha at the commencement of the Arthur Obi-Okafor (SAN) Soccer Tournament for the eight branches of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in Anambra.
The Chief Judge, who kick-started the competition, said the tournament would help lawyers to keep fit outside focusing on litigation matters.
He commended Arthur Obi-Okafor for sponsoring the tournament.
In his remarks, Obi-Okafor said that the tournament was to help in relaxation after legal duties by the bar and bench.
He pledged that it would be an annual event and that talented players would be fished out to represent the state in national competitions of the NBA.
“A trophy will be presented to the best team that will win the competition while cash will also be presented to the best goalkeeper and player,’’ he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of all the Chairmen of the eight NBA branches in the state, Mr S.U. Anyia, said that the final match would be played in Awka.
Anyia, who is also the Aguata Branch Chairman, expressed the hope that the tournament would help the eight branches remain united as “one indivisible body that speaks with one voice”.
A former Ihiala branch Chairman of the NBA, Mr Emma Egbunonu, expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the sponsor toward a united NBA.
Meanwhile, the Onitsha branch of the association defeated its Idemili counterpart by 4-0 in the first knockout match played at the Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium, Onitsha. (NAN)