LASG COMMENDS RESIDENTS FOR PROMOTING PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE
… Reaffirms Commitment to Peace-Building Efforts on International Day of Peace
The Lagos State Government has commended its residents for fostering a peaceful atmosphere across the state, which has made the successful implementation of various life-improving projects possible.
The government emphasised that the harmonious coexistence among citizens has greatly enhanced its ability to deliver on key initiatives, especially in the areas of infrastructure development, healthcare, and social welfare.
In commemoration of the 2024 International Day of Peace, the State Government reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a culture of peace and resolving conflicts through dialogue and understanding.
Speaking on Monday, at an event held at Citizens' Mediation Centre, Alausa to mark the occasion celebrated on the 21st of September every year globally, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, highlighted the government's commitment to creating a harmonious environment where disputes are addressed peacefully.
While emphasising the pivotal role of the Lagos State Citizens' Mediation Centre (CMC) in promoting peace across the state, Mr. Pedro, who was represented by the Director of Commercial Law, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Kehinde Taiwo, informed that the Centre has consistently provided invaluable support for individuals in conflict and has become a model for conflict resolution across Lagos State.
Specifically, the Attorney-General lauded CMC's efforts in mediating disputes ranging from landlord-tenant issues to family disagreements, which have further reinforced the belief that understanding and compromise can triumph over discord.
"The impact of the CMC’s work cannot be overstated", the Attorney-General noted, adding that the centre has become a beacon of hope for many residents, particularly those from indigent backgrounds who seek peaceful resolutions rather than adversarial legal actions.
In response to the increasing demand for accessible mediation services, the Lagos State Government is set to expand its mediation centres, with new offices planned for Imota, Ketu, and Surulere. This expansion aims to make mediation services more accessible to residents across the state, regardless of their background. The Attorney-General highlighted this initiative as part of the government’s broader commitment to creating a just and equitable society where peace and dialogue prevail.
The Director of the Lagos State Citizens' Mediation Centre (CMC), Mrs. Biola Oseni said that the theme "Cultivating a Culture of Peace" reflects both global and local efforts aimed at promoting justice, fairness, and mutual respect.
Mrs. Oseni acknowledged the United Nations' ongoing work in cultivating peace worldwide, noting that through peacekeeping efforts and conflict resolution initiatives, the UN has been instrumental in stabilising regions and promoting sustainable development.
She disclosed that the Centre has mediated and resolved over 400,000 cases since its inception. These cases, she said, range from landlord-tenant disputes to family matters and monetary claims, reflecting the CMC's commitment to fostering a just and peaceful society at the grassroots level.
"Peace is not just about the absence of war or conflict", Mrs. Oseni said, "It is also about creating a society where individuals can coexist in harmony, trust that justice will prevail, and resolve their differences through dialogue".
Also speaking, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Elsie Gyekyewaa Attafuah said that the International Day of Peace is a day that reminds everyone about their collective responsibility to promote peace and security in the world.
Gyekyewaa affirmed that investing in sustainable development efforts that address the root causes of instability and remove the barriers that hinder peaceful coexistence and cohesion would facilitate a culture of peace in the community.
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