The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the United States-based National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), has commenced a five-day advocacy and trial skills training programme for law officers of the Bureau of the Public Defender (BPD), formerly OPD, and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), as part of its continued efforts to strengthen justice delivery through professional development and capacity building.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, who spoke through the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Hameed Oyenuga, described the programme as a unique initiative that brings prosecutors and defence counsel together in pursuit of a common objective – the fair and effective administration of justice.
Pedro emphasised that justice extends beyond securing convictions, noting that the criminal justice system must remain fair to victims, defendants and society as a whole.
He reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to continuously modernise and strengthen the justice system through sustained investment in the professional capacity of its law officers.
According to him, contemporary legal practice requires continuous learning, ethical grounding and technical competence, particularly in areas such as case management, evidence handling, expert testimony and courtroom advocacy.
Pedro commended the organisers for sustaining the partnership over the years and assured participants of the Ministry’s continued support for initiatives that enhance the quality of legal services delivered to residents of Lagos State.
He urged participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training to their daily professional responsibilities.
He stressed that improved advocacy skills, sound ethical practice and technical competence would ultimately contribute to better justice outcomes for the people of Lagos State.
The training, which marks the 10th year of the LASG – NITA collaboration, brings together prosecutors and defence counsel for intensive sessions on courtroom advocacy, professional ethics, evidence management, cross-examination, case preparation and trial presentation.
The initiative is designed to provide participants with practical skills that can be immediately applied in the discharge of their professional duties.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Bureau of Public Defender, Olubunmi Adesomoju, described the programme as a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between Lagos State and NITA.
Adesomoju noted that the collaboration has consistently provided law officers with practical advocacy skills that contribute to the effective administration of criminal justice in the State.
She noted that the exchange of knowledge and experience between local and international legal practitioners has enriched legal practice in Lagos State, expressing confidence that the partnership would continue to expand and provide greater opportunities for professional development within the justice sector.
