Lagos State Governor has acknowledged the role of citizens’ mediation in promoting peaceful coexistence in the State, assuring that his administration would establish more centres for citizens’ mediation in all the nooks and crannies of the State.
The Governor said that the CMC has over the years recorded successes in conflict resolution on issues that could have degenerated into chaos and unpleasant situations.
Governor Ambode, represented by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Funlola Odunlami, stated this at a programme organised by the Centre to celebrate the Year 2017 United Nations International Day of Peace at Alausa, Ikeja.
In his words, “I wish to commend the Citizens Mediation Centre, CMC, for the successes recorded so far and also charge them to keep up the good work. As the centre marks its 18th Anniversary, it is my desire to see that by your 20th Anniversary, the centre will have offices nearly everywhere in the State”.
He averred that CMC had demonstrated professionalism in its entirety through its amicable way of conflict resolution, noting that matters that could cause disaffection and enemity among residents are being resolved within a minimal time frame, with all disputing parties returning home happy and satisfied.
The Director, Administration and General Trustee, Mrs. Olaniyi Mariam, speaking during the welcome address on behalf of the Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, said that the celebration in Lagos State was in recognition of the fact that mediation has become globally accepted and conforms to the constitutional responsibility of government to promote peace within the State.
She informed that the Centre has been collaborating with the United Nations Office to mark the International Day of Peace since 2015 to propagate the ethos of peaceful co-existence among residents of the State.
The former Chief Judge of Lagos State and Chairman of Lagos Independent Electoral Commission, LASIEC, Mrs. Ayotunde Phillips who was the Chairperson of the event said that CMC stands a better chance of guaranteeing peace than seeking redress in court.
Phillips asserted that apart from aiding prison decongestion, the establishment of the centre shows the State government’s commitment to the promotion of peace adding that the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos made it imperative to adopt amicable dispute resolution methods.
She, therefore, urged other states in the country to embrace the initiative similar to the CMC in order to ensure that the culture of peaceful co-existence is firmly entrenched in their respective States.
The highpoint of the event was the conferment of an award of Ambassador of Peace on the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode for her role in peace promotion.
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