New legal year: Kogi CJ prioritises robust justice delivery process, workers’ welfare

As the new legal year approaches, the Chief Judge of Kogi State, Hon. Justice Josiah Joe Majebi, has assured litigants and counsel approaching the courts in Kogi State that the judiciary will provide the necessary support for effective adjudication to their satisfaction within the bounds of the law.

He also emphasised that the welfare of judiciary workers remains a top priority for both the judiciary leadership and the state government.

Justice Majebi made this declaration while opening a 2-day retreat for the management staff of the High Court of Justice and the Judicial Service Commission, which was held in Abuja over the weekend. The retreat aimed to prepare the management of these key judicial institutions for the challenges of the new legal year.

The Chief Judge indicated that the Governor of the state, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, had promised improvements in the judiciary’s fortunes in the coming years.

This assurance has motivated him to address the upcoming legal year’s challenges directly. He also reiterated that the welfare of judiciary workers will remain a central focus due to their crucial roles.

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The management staff will be the initial beneficiaries of a continuous staff motivational scheme starting with the new legal year, intended to build on the successes of the previous year.

Encouraging the management to prepare for an engaging legal year, Justice Majebi explained that the retreat, themed “Prospects of Effective Justice Administration in Kogi State Through Staff Diligence,” aimed to reflect on the impact of the institution’s service delivery and staff commitment to court users.

He urged the management members to ensure the maximum engagement and dedication of their staff, noting that any lack of commitment would undermine the goal of seamless justice administration in the state.

Citing scriptures, the Chief Judge noted that the retreat’s benefits include fostering social relations, boosting morale, and providing opportunities for intellectual exchange aimed at enhancing staff productivity and creating a proactive judicial system.

He encouraged attendees to maintain the sense of unity fostered by the retreat, which offers both personal and professional benefits. “You have been taken away from the pressures of your offices to experience a sense of closeness that is beneficial both personally and professionally. This environment enables you to support each other as colleagues. Let this spirit be one of the achievements we take from here. Take the lessons from our resource persons seriously, ask relevant questions, and feel free to discuss any issues during our interactions. I am confident that you will return to your offices with valuable insights,” he advised.

Resource persons at the retreat covered topics on effective institutional management and health awareness.

Welcoming the attendees, the Director of Establishment and Training at the High Court of Justice, Mrs. Adenike Shittu, described the retreat as an opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and recharge in order to gather ideas that will drive the organization forward. “The retreat is not just a break from our busy routines; it is a chance for us to reconnect, reflect, and recharge. Together, we will explore the vision and strategy for the coming legal year, share insights, and collaborate on ideas that will propel the organization forward,” she said, adding that the management would emerge from the retreat with “renewed energy and focus.”

The 2-day program featured three resource persons. Dr. Onimode A. Bamidele and Mr. Dapo Akingbade addressed “Effective Team Management Strategies for the Management of Kogi State Judiciary,” while Dr. Martins Okpote focused on “Health Awareness.” They extensively covered teamwork, management styles, strategies, responsibility, and factors affecting health and healthy living as essential elements for organizational growth.

Virtually all management staff from the two institutions attended, with Dr. Tanko Muhammed, Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, leading those from the commission, and Jubril Oladimeji Ibrahim Esq., the Chief Registrar of the High Court of Justice, leading those from the court.