Lagos State Ministry of Justice

PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS STATE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE HOLDS JUSTICE REFORM SUMMIT ON THE 27TH & 28TH MAY, 2024

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice announces a Justice Reform Summit scheduled to hold on the 27th and 28th of May 2024 at the Marriott Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos with the Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu as the Chief Host, The Chief Justice of Nigeria Hon Justice Olukayode Ariwoola GCON as the Chairman and The Attorney General ofthe Federation and Minister for Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN as Special Guest of Honour. Theme – Enhancing The Administration Of Justice For Economic Growth, Investment Protection And Security In Lagos State. Lagos State Government for its various landmark and innovative achievements over the years became a pathfinder for Justice reform in Nigeria. However, being the economic nerve centre of Nigeria, there are real and new challenges to address, hence the summit to explore diverse perspective towards effective and efficient administration of justice for economic growth, security, governance and social protection in Lagos State and by extension the whole of Nigeria. This is towards implementing the THEMES Plus Agenda of the Governor Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwolu-Olu. As a prelude to the Summit there will be a press conference by the Lagos state Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr.Lawal Pedro, SAN. FCIArb where highlights of the Summit will be presented. In order to gather insights from a wide spectrum of Nigerians, the Ministry has created an avenue for stakeholders and members of the public to express their views, observations and recommendations for the reform. Therefore, the stakeholders and members of the public can send their contributions to the following social media platforms: lagosjusticesummit2024@gmail.com WhatsAppNo: 07032276146 Facebook- @Lagosmoj Twitter- @Lagosmoj Instagram- @Lagosmoj Signed SignedMRS TITILAYO SHITTA-BEY JEJESOLICITOR GENERAL AND PERMANENT SECRETARY29/4/24

OTCI  Team Sensitizes MOJ Staff On SPADEV Reporting System

In a bid to emphasize the importance of Staff Performance Appraisal Development (SPADEV) reporting system, the Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation (OTCI) on Wednesday  sensitized members of staff of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice on SPADEV reporting system held at the Ministry’s conference room, Secretariat, Alausa. Welcoming the team led by the Deputy Director, Admin and Human Resources, OTCI, Mr. Samuel Okedara; the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, MOJ, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-bey Jeje noted that the effectiveness of the SPADEV as a tool of assessment is dependent on the quality and objectivity of its monitoring and evaluation. The Solicitor General emphasized the importance of the sensitization which is to bridge the gap created as a result of non-compliance to the guidelines of the SPADEV reporting system. She added that it is henceforth mandatory for all members of staff in the Ministry to have a clear job description that aligns with the mandates of their respective office positions. Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-bey Jeje expressed delight and gratitude towards the Officials of OTCI for diligently developing procedures and initiatives that would enhance productivity and effective service delivery in the State Public Service. Speaking earlier, the Deputy Director, Admin & Human Resource, O.T.C.I, Mr. Samuel Okedara stated that the whole essence of performance appraisal as encapsulated in the SPADEV Forms is premised on the Ministry’s mandate and departmental assignment of responsibilities which are required to be met during the Reporting and Review Period. “Targets must be set for officers at the beginning of every appraisal year, having carried out performance planning to guide the process and SPADEV Forms filled twice a year, mid and end year respectively”, he added. According to Mr. Okedara, there are rewards attached to outstanding levels of performance such as Accelerated Promotion, Sponsorship for further education and Performance bonuses. However, poor performance may lead to denial of annual increment or exit from service, he noted. “Public Servants irrespective of Grade Levels are mandated to comply with the directives of filling and submitting their appraised SPADEV forms twice yearly, and also note that appraisals are not only meant for promotion but an effective way of boosting productivity and capacity development of staff”, he added. He therefore appealed to Heads of Departments to sit with their subordinates at the beginning of each appraisal year to agree on the deliverables such as giving updates on their job descriptions and setting targets, while conducting a mid-term review to monitor progress and issue Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) to underperforming employees to enhance operational efficiency and optimize job execution. Whilst urging members of staff of the State Ministry of Justice to prioritize filling their SPADEV Forms accordingly, Mr. Okedara noted that public servants are expected to complete appraisal scores not later than 30th June for Mid-Year Performance Review, and 31st December for End-Year review. Delivering the vote of thanks, the Director, Admin and Human Resources, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Adebayo Osinaike extended his sincere appreciation towards the State Ministry of Justice, Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation (O.T.C.I), Directors, Counsel and other members of staff in the ministry, for their active participation, thoughtful contributions, and commitment to driving positive change in the State Public Service.

Data Protection Team Training

A cross session of Directors, Counsel and representatives of directorates and units at a 3day Workshop on “Data Protection Team Training”organized by the State Ministry of Justice at the Conference Room of the Ministry on Tuesday, 27th-Thursday, 29th of Feb,2024

Lagos State Government Moves To Tackle Land Grabbing

….prohibits forceful entry and illegal occupation of landed properties In a bid to curb and tackle the unscrupulous activities of land grabbers in the State,the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Special Taskforce on Land Grabbers under the State Ministry of Justice, on Tuesday , organized a stakeholders meeting, Themed: Safeguarding Possessory Rights in Lands: The Role of Lagos State Special Taskforce on Land Grabbers, at Leawood Hotel, Sangotedo, Eti-Osa. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN who spoke at the event, noted that the rise in cases of Land grabbing is an issue of great concern to the State Government. According to the Attorney General, the purpose of organizing the Stakeholders’ Meeting is to foster open dialogue, share information, experiences, and collectively identify solutions to the problems inherent in the activities of land grabbers. “As part of the effort to address the issue of land grabbing in the state, the Lagos State Government enacted a law to prohibit forceful entry and illegal occupation of landed properties, as well as violent and fraudulent conducts in relation to landed properties in the State” Pedro stated. He said resolving land grabbing issues is of great importance to the Sanwo-olu T.H.E.M.E.S .PLUS Administration. Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, stated that the menace of Land grabbers has led to conflicts on lands in the State which has resulted in destruction of properties and even loss of lives. “It is a fact that property transactions in Lagos State have been greatly hindered by the activities of the Omo-Onile and Ajagungbales” he said. Furthermore, the Attorney General emphasized that the law on land grabbing that was enacted in 2016 still stands regardless of one’s status in the society. He explained some of the provisions of the Lagos State Property Protection Law, 2016 and ln particular, Section 2(1) of the Law, which prohibits the use of force or self-help by anyone to take over any landed property or engaging in any act inconsistent with the proprietary rights of the owner of any landed property in Lagos. Speaking earlier, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-bey Jeje, expressed delight towards participants and key stakeholders present for honoring the invitations provided for the event. The Solicitor General noted that the gathering is of utmost importance which is to explore the role of the Taskforce in Safeguarding Possessory Rights in land within the State. “the issue of land grabbing has been a persistent challenge in various parts of our state, causing unrest, stifling commercial activities, and disrupting the lives of Lagos residents” she said. Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-bey Jeje stated that it is crucial for all hands to be on deck in shaping the policies and strategies that will curb land grabbing activities in the State. While urging participants and key stakeholders to work together in ensuring safety of landed properties in the State, she wished everyone present, a fruitful and engaging discussion towards eradicating illegal acts of land grabbing in the State. Also speaking, Director of Public Prosecutions and Guest speaker of the occasion, Dr. Babajide Martins, stated that since its inception, the Task Force has been actively engaged in addressing this menace, receiving and resolving numerous petitions. “The Taskforce has received 7500 petitions out of which 1251 are frivolous, 4283 disputes have been resolved, 205 land grabbers have been arrested, 60 cases are being prosecuted in various courts while1566 petitions are currently pending before the Task Force” “However, our work is far from over. Challenges persist, and it is imperative that we come together as a community to find sustainable solutions”, he said. The ELEJIGBO of Langbasa, HRM Oba Hafeez Olakunle Badiru, said that Land grabbers for decades have constituted a threat to property acquisition in Lagos, saying that there has been alarming reports of Land grabbing. While acknowledging the State Government efforts in curbing Land grabbing in Lagos, Oba Hafeez Badiru, implored the State Government and the Police to ensure immediate prosecution of identified land grabbers and their sponsors to serve as a deterrent to other citizens in the State. Delivering the vote of thanks, the Coordinator, Lagos State Special Taskforce on Land Grabbers, Ms. Rukayat Shomade, expressed gratitude to the State Government and the Ministry of Justice for their immense support towards the agency and looked forward to future collaborations.

Lagos AG Commissions Newly Built Imota LNSC Station

..commends agency on recruiting officers from local communities In line with the present administrations commitment to the security of lives and property of the people of Lagos State as articulated in the Security and Governance pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S + Plus Agenda, Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice ,Mr Lawal Pedro ,SAN on Thursday, commissioned the newly built imota Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corp Station at Imota LCDA, Lagos. Speaking at the official Commissioning of the Station,Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, noted that safeguarding the lives and properties of Lagos residents is paramount for the overall well-being and progress of the State. According to the Attorney General, the Imota LNSC Station, consisting of offices, a mini cell, store and conveniences, isn’t only remarkable but also affirms the commitment of the present administration in ensuring the safety and security of lives and properties in the State while serving as a vital hub for the Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps (LNSC). “Commencing in January of this year and reaching completion this February, the Imota Station project underscores the Governor’s dedication even in the face of economic challenges gripping our nation. The timely execution of this project speaks volumes about the Governor’s resolve to prioritize the security of the people” he said. Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, further emphasized that security is the cornerstone of any responsible and responsive government, and the establishment of the Imota Station reflects the administration’s devotedness to creating a safe and secure environment for all. Whilst expressing gratitude towards attendees of the occasion, the Attorney General commended the LNSC for deliberately choosing officers from the local communities they serve, which in turn, embodies a grassroot approach to intelligence gathering and community policing. Speaking earlier, the General Manager LNSC, Prince Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, reiterated the commitment of the Agency which is to combat crime and tackle various security challenges while making Lagos State a habitable and safe place for residents in the State. Dr. Ifalade also noted that there are two other newly built stations, situated at Ijede and Orile-agege LCDA. The G.M, LNSC, applauded Mr. Governor, Lagos AG and key stakeholders for their continued support in the realization of this project while admonishing the Officers of the Division to reciprocate by delivering on their mandate as expressed by the Law. Dignitaries present includes the Executive Chairman Imota LCDA, Oba of Imota ,Balogun of Imota, Leader of the Imota Legislative Arm and Religious Leaders.

Lagos Trains Counsel On Brief Writing

In a bid to enhance and improve brief writing skills among Counsel, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in collaboration with The Write House on Wednesday organized a 2day capacity training program, titled: “Brief Writing Master Plan” at the Colossus Hotel, Opebi, Ikeja. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, stated that the 2day exercise was organized with the purpose of identifying and breaking through barriers to writing effectively as well as providing counsel with practical tools to improve the effectiveness and persuasiveness of their written communications. The Attorney General at the capacity building program encouraged counsel to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the program, stating that the experience garnered will enhance discussions and collective understanding of the Brief Writing exercise. Other participants in attendance include, Lagos State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-bey Jeje, Directors in the Ministry and Counsel of the State.

Annual Management Staff Retreat

Lagos Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN),Chief Of Staff to the Governor,Mr Tayo Ayinde, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary MoJ, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey Jeje; former SG/PS Mr Fola Arthur-Worrey; Chairman, Lagos State Task Force, CSP Shola Jejeloye; Co-ordinator, Special Offences (Mobile) Court, Mrs. Arinola Ogbara-Banjoko; Magistrates of the Special Offences (Mobile Court), Counsel and Staff during the Annual Management Staff Retreat organized by the Mobile Court, themed “Exploring the Administration of Evidence in Mobile Court and its Implications for Effective Administration of Justice” on Friday, January 26th – Saturday, 27th January, 2024 at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Lagos State Rescues Minors Neglected By Father .

The Lagos State Government through the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) on Tuesday 23rd January, 2024 rescued two minors age 4 years (male) and 15 months (female) respectively at the Awoyaya axis, Lagos. The Office of the Public Defender (OPD) received an SOS via its Facebook platform in respect of two children who were being neglected and physically abused by their father. The Director OPD, Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju, noted that the OPD rescue team took immediate steps to ensure the children were rescued with the help of the Police. The children are presently receiving the much needed medical support and have been placed in safe custody. She further expressed her appreciation to the mandatory reporters (concerned citizens) who brought the plight of the minors to the attention of the Agency. Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju urged residents of Lagos State to stay vigilant and to report any case or form of domestic abuse on OPD TOLL- FREE NO: 07080601080 and Email Address: opdlagos@gmail.com All such reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

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