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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.

Prerogative Of Mercy: Sanwo-Olu Approves Release Of 246 Inmates.

……And Commuttal Of 39 Death Row Inmates To Life Imprisonment. Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu on the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy has approved the release of 246 inmates from various correctional facilities across the State and the commuttal of 39 inmates on death row to life imprisonment. The Governor signed the release and commuttal orders on the 20th of December, 2023 in cognizance of the New Year Celebrations. The exercise is in pursuant to the provisions of Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (amended). The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in reaching its recommendations exercised due diligence in its deliberation of the applications in line with the applicable guidelines. The Council took note of the information provided by the correctional authorities, the nature of offence, period of incarceration, age, health and behavioral conduct of the inmates. The approval for the release of the inmates is in line with the commitment of Mr. Governor to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms

Lagos Reiterates Commitment To Law Enforcement.

The Lagos State Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to its continued relationship and synergy with all Law Enforcement Agencies in the State. The Director (LETI) Mrs Abiola Adeyinka made this declaration during an interactive session at the Vehicle Inspection Services office Ojodu today 7th, November 2023. Mrs Adeyinka in her statement implored Law enforcement Officers to imbibe good relationships with the public in order to have a hitch free patrol and make Lagos a friendly State. She noted that the Agency in its next edition of mandatory training  exercise for officers will make available copies of enforcement laws in order to assist them in their everyday duties. The Director therefore stressed on  the body worn cameras introduced by the State  and its importance to all Law enforcement agencies in carrying out their day to day activities adding that this will enable officers to have facts of events while carrying out their duties. Responding, Engr Akin- George Fashola, Director ( VIS) in his words, said the Agency is also committed to LETI and is ready to work hand in hand  with the agency  in order to bring Lagos State to an enviable stage. He, however advised LETI to integrate technology usage during training in order for officers to have hitch free patrol on the roads. Engr. Kayode Oladesu  (Director, Operations) in his reaction, stated that LETI is a partner to VIS and that even with technology, officers needs to go out to enforce law because some people still go against the law. He noted that people do not pay fines as at when due, they move with dilapidated vehicles and with these, officers atimes do home arrest for non- payment of fines and also at point of renewal. Engr. Fashola however said Lagos State will not rest on its oars until the Agency perfects its technology usage on road worthiness. During the session, the management staff of LETI were taken across all the facilities of the VIS and most importantly, their camera room to show the operations of VIS and vehicles on Lagos State roads. By Bankale Okedara

AG & PT pays a courtesy visit to Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice

Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr Lawal Pedrol (SAN)  received the Management Staff of the Office of the Administrator General and Public Trustee(AGPT) during a courtesy visit to the Hon Attorney General  at the Conference room of the State Ministry of Justice on Friday,27th October 2023 The Commissioner expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the visitation team led by the Administrator General and Public Trustee ,Mr Olajide Oduyebo. He charged law officers in AGPT to brace up for change and challenges in  achieving effective and efficient service delivery in the administration of Justice in the State He stressed that the Administration of Mr Baba jide Olusola Sanwoolu is totally committed to promoting easy  and seamless access to justice for the citizens of Lagos State.

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