The Lagos State Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC), in collaboration with the United Nations, has organised a webinar to commemorate this year’s International Day of Peace with the theme “Shaping Peace Together”.
In his welcome address during the virtual event, the Chairman, Governing Council, CMC, Hon. Justice Oluyinka Gbajabiamila (rtd.), lauded the role of the Centre in promoting peaceful resolution of disputes among Lagos residents.
He added that the need for peace cannot be overemphasised, while the ability to reconcile warring factions is a great feat by the Centre.
While encouraging the public to always adopt the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism through the Mediation Centre in settling disputes, Gbajabiamila stressed that there is a need for all individuals to embrace peace and eschew violence in all human endeavours.
“I must emphasise that not everybody has the strength for a long-drawn battle or can afford to pay for legal representation in a court case, but with the CMC and the hard work that is being done, a lot of people are beginning to realise that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a way of getting justice without having to pay for it through their noses”, he noted.
In his keynote address, the Country Director, United Nations International Centre, Mr. Ronald Kayanja, represented by Mr. Oluseyi Soremekun, the National Information Officer at the UN Information Centre, Lagos, recounted the laudable achievements of the CMC, through the ADR, and equally restated how the Centre has been promoting peace in the State.
He said, “I must commend the Lagos State government for the establishment of the Citizens’ Mediation Centre. The Agency has been the arrowhead of promoting peace among residents, while the UN has been supporting the Agency’s activities as a strategic partner.
“We are glad they have been consistent in promoting peace in Lagos State.”
Recall that the ‘International Day of Peace’ is an event that is observed on 21st of September each year by nations across the world.
