Nigeria joined the global Judo community on October 28 to celebrate World Judo Day 2025, with the President of the Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF), Dr. Musa Oshodi, urging Nigerians to embrace peace, discipline, and mutual respect to strengthen national unity.

The annual celebration, held in honour of Judo founder Professor Jigoro Kano’s birthday, carries the theme “Peace” for this year.

In a statement signed by the NJF General Secretary, Jude Atoe, Dr. Oshodi called on Judokas nationwide to use the occasion to foster harmony within their clubs, states, and communities through training sessions and demonstrations that embody the sport’s values of respect and discipline.

He emphasized that peace remains the foundation for both sports and national development, while reaffirming NJF’s commitment to promoting the Judo values of friendship, courage, and mutual respect.

The 2025 celebration, supported by Café Grace Hotel/Bar and the Youths & Sports Empowerment Initiative, is taking place at the FCT Complex, Old Parade Ground, Garki, Abuja.

In his goodwill message, Senator Neda Imaseun, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, commended the NJF for its dedication to peacebuilding, describing Judo as “a sport where every bow and every throw is an act of respect and unity.”