Lagos State Governor, Mr.
Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Friday called for improved interdependent relationship among Government agencies in the Public Service in order to render more quality service to the people of the State.
Governor Fashola, who spoke at the Lagos House, Marina, when he played host to the Board of Directors and management staff of the Office of
Public Defender (OPD) who paid him a courtesy visit as part of the 10th Year Anniversary of the agency, said such improved relationship would go a long way to fast-track the services of the various agencies to meet the needs of the people.
The Governor, particularly recommended close relationship between the Office of Public Defender and the Ministries of Youths, Sports and Social Development and Women Affairs and
Poverty Alleviation saying such improved relationship would facilitate quick relief to victims of abuse, battery and other forms of inhuman treatments in the society.
“The improved interdependent relationship between the OPD and Ministries of Youth, Sports and Social Development and Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation will go a long way to provide institutional support in terms of infrastructure and personnel to give relief to victims of social abuse”, the Governor said.
According to Governor Fashola, with such improved interdependence, issues of juvenile abuse and offences could be handled by the Ministry of Youths, Sports and Social Development while issues pertaining to abused women could be effectively handled by the
Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
“You should have very clear working partnership with these Ministries so that women who are abused can be given relief at the temporary Home at Alimosho while juveniles can be counseled at the Ministry of Youth Sports and Social Development”, the Governor said.
The Governor threw his weight behind the establishment of a Citizens Rights Advisory Centre saying the OPD should do well “to establish a formal handshake with that
legal department” in other to make people aware of their rights.
“As a Government, we have tried, since inception, to add value to the philosophy behind the OPD to continue to provide legal defense, legal support to indigent people; but more importantly, how aware are people of their rights?”, Governor Fashola asked adding, “The issue of a Citizens Rights Advisory Centre is, to my mind, a useful pattern to members of the OPD. That is, probably, the best way to get the people to get advise as to what they are entitled to before the law. That way, the legal advisory team can be better placed to help them”.
Pointing out that the Government’s 2008 – 2012 Strategic Plan would provide more insight on how to engage the OPD, Governor Fashola declared, “I emphasize that the strength and character of this Government is defined by the ability to plan long term”.
The Governor, who said he has had long interaction with the OPD when he was
Chief of Staff, commended his predecessor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “for being persuaded by the merits of such an institution”, adding, “I believe it has strengthened the institutional support available for the defense of the citizens”.
“I believe OPD is the model of the application of the
Legal Aids in a broad sense, may be not in its fullest sense. It reinforces my belief that we do not need to replicate all the institutions that we see abroad but we can recreate our own unique and home-grown solutions of our own. I am happy that our idea has lived for ten years and it has grown from strength to strength in fulfillment of its purpose”, the Governor said.
Congratulating the Board and members of staff of the OPD, Governor Fashola particularly paid glowing tribute to Professor Yemi Osibajo who, according to the Governor, “was midwife to this project”, congratulating also all the past directors and especially the present director who, he said, has piloted the affairs of the OPD with passion.
“I feel glad to see faces of selflessness, of men and women with passion behind one institution that represents so much hope for vulnerable members of our society, the people for whom Government possibly holds the greatest responsibility”, Governor Fashola said adding that the faces would remain indelible in his mind for a long time.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the Governing Board, Mr. Adekunle Ojo, intimated the Governor with highlights of the 1oth anniversary celebration which, according to the Chairman, included presentation of a Strategic Plan for OPD and a Dinner, among others.
Thanking the Governor for his support in, among others, providing a head office for the agency on Western Avenue, the Chairman requested, among other things, that Government should approve the employment of more social workers to provide counseling to the people as well as those he described as Project Officers who, according to him, “are helping out”.
Also present at the event were the incumbent Chairman, Governing Board of OPD, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, Director, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi, among other top members of the Board as well as top Government functionaries.
culled from tundefashola.com
