In commemoration of the Year 2024 Restorative Justice Week, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) a programme of the European Union, organised a stakeholders meeting on Thursday, themed; “The Promise of Restorative Justice in a Polarising World” at The Zone, Gbagada, Lagos.
Delivering his paper, Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), represented by the SSA to the AG, Mr. Haroun Adebayo, noted that Restorative Justice is not just a process but a mindset and commitment to listen and learn from each other, address systemic injustices, create a culture of compassion and forgiveness.
“Restorative Justice is more than a mechanism for resolving disputes; it is a philosophy that prioritises healing, reconciliation, and the restoration of dignity to individuals and communities affected by crime and conflict”, Pedro said.
The Attorney-General stressed that collaboration among government agencies, the judiciary, civil society, and community leaders is key to amplifying the impact of Restorative Justice.
\
The Commissioner urged participants to bridge gaps, raise awareness, and ensure swift, transformative justice, emphasising a vision of Lagos where justice restores hope and fosters understanding.
In his goodwill message, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, represented by Hon. Justice Adeyemi Adeyinka, explained that Restorative Justice addresses the harm caused by crime and seeks to repair it while ensuring accountability.
“Restorative justice repairs the harm caused by the offender and helps to reintegrate the offender into the community while achieving a sense of healing for both the victim and the community”, he stated.
The Chief Judge commended the Lagos Ministry of Justice and the Restorative Justice Centre for partnering with RoLAC to organise the stakeholders meeting and wished everyone fruitful deliberations
The State Programme Coordinator of The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption program (RoLAC), Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakinwa stated that the theme for this year is both timely and essential, reflecting the challenges we face as a society and the transformative solutions that restorative justice offers.
Mrs. Ijimakinwa applauded Lagos State Government for being a pacesetter in the administration of the criminal justice system, urging other states in the federation to emulate the giant strides achieved by the State.
In her keynote address, Managing Consultant, Atticus Allen Consulting, Mrs. Adeyinka Aroyewun stated that Lagos State, known for its dynamism and resilience, is well-positioned to lead Nigeria in this transformative journey.
“Our goal is to ensure that restorative justice is not merely an alternative approach but becomes the norm in our justice system”, Aroyewun said.
She emphasised that Justice delayed is justice denied, but justice restored is harmony magnified, adding that this is an opportunity to amplify harmony and foster a society where justice delivery is a collective effort involving everyone – not just the courts.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, MoJ, represented by Director, Directorate of Civil Litigation, Mrs. Bossman expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their active participation and commitment.
Bossman further reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to sustained collaboration, saying, “Together, we will ensure that justice delivery in Lagos State continues to evolve, reflecting fairness, accountability, and community-driven solutions.”
The Coordinator Restorative Justice Centre, Mrs. Adenike Oluwafemi also commended the stakeholders, stating that their contributions have laid a strong foundation for the transformative changes everyone seeks in the state’s justice delivery system.
Other dignitaries and panellists at the meeting include the Director, Lagos State Multi-Door Court House, Mrs. Achere Cole; Head of Family Court Group, Mrs. Tolu Aderiye; Principal, Boys Correctional Centre, Oregun, Mr. B. Iyapo; Social Welfare Officer, Borstal Training Institution, Abeokuta, Mr. Yusuf R. Babajide; Rep of Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Correctional Centre, NGOs, RJ Steering Committee, and the Nigerian Bar Association
