The Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Justice has reaffirmed its leadership in justice sector innovation and reform, as the Public Interest Law Partnership (PILP), in collaboration with PILnet, The Global Network for Public Interest Law, successfully hosted the 2025 Pro Bono Week and the inaugural African Regional Convening on Pro Bono and Public Interest Lawyering in Lagos.
The three-day event brought together senior policymakers, members of the Bar and Bench, civil society leaders, and international partners to strengthen the pro bono culture and expand access to justice across Africa.
The Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, delivered remarks at the opening plenary alongside other distinguished guests including, former Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Ade Ipaye; Chair, UK Pro Bono Week,Toby Brown; PILnet Board Member, Kim Reed; and Co-Executive Director, PILnet, Julia Mayerhofer.
Highlights of the event include; a welcome reception hosted by Banwo & Ighodalo, the launch of PILP’s Pro Bono Recognition List, panel discussions on civic engagement and regional collaboration, legal clinics, and a Legal Tech Exhibition showcasing PILP’s upgraded AI-powered justice portal.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of PILP, Funmi Ayeni, emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in expanding access to justice, noting that technology remains vital to meeting modern justice challenges.
Ayeni affirmed that the success of the convening further underscores Lagos State’s pioneering role in promoting public interest law and deepening the culture of pro bono service across Africa.
