In its efforts to build a more responsive and adequate legal service capable of meeting the demands of contemporary public administration, the Ogun State Ministry of Justice has organised a management retreat for its senior officers.
The retreat, themed: “Navigating Emerging Legal Challenges by Law Officers In Public Service in the State which took place at the Crown City Resort, Agbara, provided an avenue for senior management and law officers within the Ministry to deliberate on contemporary issues affecting the administration of justice and the delivery of legal services in the public sector.
Declaring the retreat open, the Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, said the legal environment within which government operates is becoming increasingly complex with new technologies, evolving regulations and emerging social issues, coupled with growing public expectations that required officers to remain knowledgeable, adaptive and professionally prepared.
"As the principal legal adviser to the State Government, the Ministry of Justice occupies a strategic position in ensuring that government policies, programmes and actions are firmly grounded in law. Your responsibilities extend beyond litigation and legal representation. They include providing sound and timely legal advice that enables government to make informed decisions, protect the public interest and effectively discharge its mandate,’’ the Hos submitted.
He urged participants to take advantage of the retreat by sharing experiences and examine emerging challenges and develop practical solutions that would strengthen the dlivery of legal services to the public and the State government.
A symbolic Lecture was delivered by Hon. Justice Kolawole Omotosho on “ The Role of State Counsel in a Conservative Legal System; Nigeria As A Case Study, while the Director, Citizens Rights, Mrs. Oluwakemi Lawal, alongside the Deputy Director, Public Prosecutions, Mr. Michael Adebayo, delivered lectures on Forensic Awareness Guide For The Management Team Of The Ministry Of Justice
Earlier In his goodwill message, the Alagbara of Agbara, HRM, Oba Lukmon Agunbiade, shared his experience as a former legal practitioner and as well charged legal professionals on fairness, integrity and ethics.
In their separate reactions, some of the participants at the retreat, that included the Director, Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Rofiat Kadiri and the Director, Commercial Services, Mr. Olumuyiwa Ogunsanwo, who was also the Chairman Planning Committee, appreciated the State Government for its approval and financial support for the programme, saying that such a programme of this nature was necessary for all public servants as it would give room for sharing of experience, building of teamwork, relaxation and dedication to diligently addressing issues surrounding their responsibilities to the public and the government