LAGOS MULTI-DOOR COURTHOUSE MARKS 2026 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY.
The Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse (LMDC) commemorated International Women’s Day 2026 on Tuesday, March 10, bringing together Judicial Officers, legal practitioners, community leaders, and grassroots market women for an engaging dialogue on access to justice and peaceful dispute resolution.
Aligned with the global campaign theme “Give To Gain” and the UN theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” the programme was largely conducted in the Yoruba language to promote meaningful participation, cultural connection, and effective understanding among the market women and community stakeholders in attendance.
In her special remarks, Hon. Justice Jumoke O. Pedro, Chairman of the LMDC Governing Council, acknowledged the importance of sustained community engagement and accessible justice at the grassroots level. In keeping with the audience and overall theme of the event, she reinforced the message of inclusive access to justice, emphasising that the law plays a significant role in everyday commercial activities and interpersonal relationships.
She introduced the slogan “Ipinnu Laisi Ejo” (Resolution Without Conflict) and encouraged women to seek peaceful and constructive solutions to disputes, rather than endure injustice in silence.
In her address, the Director/CEO, LMDC, Achere Cole, spoke on the rights of women to have access to justice and fair dispute resolution mechanisms. She explained that justice is not limited to courtroom processes but includes the ability to resolve disputes amicably through accessible platforms, such as mediation at the LMDC. She described this approach as achieving “justice on their own terms,” where parties actively participate in shaping outcomes that preserve relationships, businesses, and community harmony.
Drawing from the theme of the programme and lessons depicted in the role play presented during the event, the Director encouraged participants to take deliberate action by promoting peace within their markets and communities. She noted that by giving peace, they are more likely to receive peace in return, thereby fostering sustainable cooperation and reducing conflicts that could disrupt livelihoods. Market leaders were urged to guide their members towards constructive avenues for dispute resolution and to serve as ambassadors of peaceful coexistence.
The Assistant Director/Head of Operations and Registrar, Mrs. Olubusola Ojo provided practical insights into how disputes can be referred to the LMDC, highlighting mediation as a collaborative process that enables parties to reach mutually beneficial solutions. She also spoke on the introduction of the “Mobile ADR Clinic”, an initiative designed to take dispute resolution services closer to people across different local governments and communities, thereby strengthening access to justice for women and other grassroots stakeholders.
The event also featured contributions from key stakeholders, including Aramide Keshinro, President of the Customary Court, Lagos Island East, and Mrs. Akoke Raji, Head of Legal for Lagos Island Local Government East LCDA, who underscored the importance of institutional collaboration in advancing women’s rights and improving access to justice at the community level.
A major highlight of the event was a role-play performance by LMDC staff set in a typical bustling Lagos market. The presentation emphasised the values of peaceful coexistence, good neighbourliness, and kindness in daily interactions, demonstrating how understanding, patience, and cooperation can help prevent disputes and promote a more harmonious and productive market environment.
In her vote of thanks, the Deputy Director and Head of Corporate Services, Mrs. Justina Chukuma appreciated participants for their active engagement. She implored the Market leaders present at the event to share the knowledge gained with fellow traders. This will reinforce the message that every woman and girl has a pathway to justice.
The celebration reaffirmed the LMDC’s commitment to promoting peaceful dispute resolution and ensuring that the ideals of rights, justice, and action translate into practical and accessible realities for women across Lagos State.
More photos below.
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