By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka, Abuja
The week-long activities marking the 2024/2025 legal year of the Federal High Court of Nigeria was rounded up yesterday at the Federal High Court headquarters, Abuja, with the triple ceremonies of The Chief Judge’s Annual Merit Award; Send Forth of Year 2024 Retired Staff and End of the Year Get-together.
The ceremony witnessed presentation of gifts to retired staff, presentation of Chief Judge’s Merit Award to the Award recipients and Presentation of Trophy and Medals won by the Federal High Court Sports Club to the Chief Judge.
In his speech, his lordship the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho reflected on the journey which the family of the Federal High Court traversed together, saying that the year witnessed both challenges and triumphs.
“We have witnessed landmark judgements that have upheld the rule of law and strengthened the fabric of our democracy.
“We have also navigated through complex cases that tested the limits of our legal framework. Yet through it all, the Federal High Court has remained steadfast in its commitment towards dispensing Justice without fear or favour “
Speaking on the retired staff, the Chief Judge said that the Federal High Court is celebrating in a special way exceptional men and women who retired honourably and statutorily from service this year 2024.
The retirees comprised of twenty seven men and women.
“To our retirees, your invaluable contributions to this institution will remain indelible in our hearts. You have served with distinction, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, wisdom and dedication to duty. As you embark on this new chapter of your lives, I wish you good health, happiness and fulfilment in your future endeavours”.
Also speaking on Merit Award winners, he said that members of staff on GL 3 to GL15 are usually nominated by Hon. Judges, the Chief Registrar, Deputy Chief Registrar and Directors under whom the nominees are serving.
He stressed that the selection of awardees was based on merit and merit alone, adding that the committee carried out its worst without any interference from quarter whatsoever.
Out of those nominated for screening, three nominees who emerged as winners are ABA MICHAEL OGECHUKWU, Senior Registrar on GL 13 won the 1st position with Gold; PADA ANDREW KASAI, Admin. Officer on GL09 won the 2nd position with Silver while YAKUBU BALA ITSE, a Clerical Officer on GL 07 won 3rd position with Bronze.
Congratulating the winners, the Chief Judge said, “I regard those selected as shinning examples of the calibre of individuals that make the Federal High Court a beacon of hope and Justice in our nation. I believe that their achievements will inspire others to strive for excellence in their respective roles. Congratulations on your achievements.”
” As we look ahead to the coming year, let us renew our commitment to excellence, integrity and service, while embracing innovation and technology to enhance our efficiency and accessibility to Justice. We should never waver in our pursuit of Justice, no matter the obstacles we may face “. Justice Tsoho asserted.
Earlier in the address presented by the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Sulaiman Amida Hassan Esq., he stated that the Federal High Court has adopted modern processes to ensure that justice remains efficient, accessible and fair.
He said that the shift towards digitalisation through the introduction of E-filing, E-affidavit, virtual hearings and digital case management systems have enabled the Federal High Court to streamline processes and improve accessibility for litigants, lawyers, court staff and the general public.
The Chief Registrar said that the court embraced E-justice tools that reduce delays and minimise the cost of litigation, adding that these digital processes are not only reducing case backlogs, but also expanding access to justice, especially for those in remote areas.
He stated that within the year, “we were able to renovate and provide infrastructure to some offices and residents of Judges.
“The construction of the Ultra-Modern Court complex in Lagos and the headquarters extension in Abuja have been completed and furnishing is in progress “
” Our ongoing Court building projects in Dutse, Sokoto and Makurdi are progressing as a result of our financial mobilization to the contractors “. the Chief Registrar disclosed.
The ceremony featured various cultural dance from the six geo-political zones performed by the Federal High Court staff dancing troupe.
The Judges of the Federal High Court, serving and retired, Representatives of the President of the Court of Appeal and National Industrial Court and heads of government agencies graced the occasion.
