Awka branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has won the maiden edition of the NBA football tournament sponsored by Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN).
The branch defeated Onitsha branch by 1-0 to win the coveted trophy.
Awka branch went home with N150,000. Onitsha branch won N100,000 and Aguata branch, which came third, got N80,000. Other participating branches got N50,000 each.
Other prices were given out at a glamourous ceremony which held at Barn Hill Hotels, Awka.
Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN) said draws were made by the Sports Committee of the Chairmen and Secretaries of the eight NBA branches in Anambra State.
“The successful teams in the tournament and those not so successful have financial awards allotted to them. It is hoped that this event will be done annually, bringing lawyers across the state under one umbrella for enduring unity and singleness of purpose,” he said.
Chairman of the Committee of branch Chairmen and Secretaries in Anambra State, who is the Chairman of NBA Aguata branch, Mr. Sebastine U. Anyia, said: “This is the first time in the history of NBA in Anambra State where lawyers will be engaged in this serious exercise and/or competition outside our usual arena of litigation.
“The importance of this competition cannot be over emphasized. It has taken us outside the Arena of “I put it to you” to convivial atmosphere that will give us a relaxed ambiance; free of stress. It will also keep us physically fit and reduce considerably most of our sickness like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, obesity etc.”
Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) governor Mr. Efefiom Ekong sent a goodwill message.
In his goodwill massage presented by Mr. Mustapha Imam, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN) said: “I applaud this novel initiative as the benefits of sports and this sort of competition to legal practitioners are numerous. I am convinced that there are many football stars and skillful players in our midst and I know that these matches will indeed be entertaining
“I particularly commend the sponsor, Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN) and congratulate Awka and Onitsha branches for reaching the final stage of this competition, as well as Aguata and Nnewi branches for reaching the 3rd place stage.”
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Okey Amechi said: “The importance of both physical and mental wellness of a legal practitioner cannot be over emphasized. Keen sense of competition within a healthy family atmosphere, which this tournament must have produced in the competing Branches, is something to be cultivated and treasured.”
Another SAN, Ndukwe Nnawuchi (SAN) said: “We cannot agree less that this initiative will further help in reducing the stress of lawyers. We believe that this event today marks the beginning of new things to come for this well thought initiative” Nnawuchi stated.”
Those who also sent goodwill messages are Chief D.O.C Ezeigwe (SAN), Anthony Ani (SAN) and A. C. Anaenugwu (SAN).
Justice Chukwudi Okaa of Anambra State High Court, Nnewi said: “The great Arthur has always been a success in whatever endeavour he set his mind and I have no doubt that he will make a great success of this inter-branch competition.”
Goodwill messages also came from Chairman NBA Asaba branch, Mr. G. A. I. Mowah, Justice Peter C. Obiorah of Anambra State Judiciary, Aguata Division, among others.