The Centre for Social-Legal Studies (CSLS), a non-governmental group focused on justice reforms, honoured journalists on Tuesday. This event took place in Abuja to mark its 20th anniversary.
CSLS presented awards to the journalists for their contributions to promoting its work and improving justice in Nigeria.
Yemi Akinseye-George, the President of CSLS, said the awards recognize the hard work of journalists. He stated, "Without you, our voices will not be heard."
He added, "All our work will just remain on the shelf. That’s why we are honouring you today." The professor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria praised the journalists for their meaningful contributions to reforming the criminal justice system.
The awardees included Femi Okeowo, a former head of the judiciary desk at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), along with current NTA journalists Austin Anyebe and Sule Yakubu. Other honourees were Wunmi Obabori, a former head of the judiciary desk at African Independent Television (AIT), Augustine Chizoba and Femi Kuku from AIT, Alex Enumah of ThisDay, Francis Okore of Arise News, Eric Ikhilae of The Nation Newspaper, and PREMIUM TIMES editor Adeyemi Adesomoju.
Speaking for the awardees, Mr Okeowo thanked CSLS for the recognition. He urged media workers to keep up their efforts. He said, "The most important thing is to enjoy yourself doing your job. If you enjoy participating in educating the nation despite the challenges, then you are getting more worth than your pay."
At the anniversary event, former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, represented by his former Chief of Staff Ade Ipaye, praised CSLS for its impact on Nigeria’s justice system. He remarked, "In the case of CSLS, there is indeed much to celebrate."
Mr Osinbajo noted that CSLS started at a crucial time in Nigeria’s democracy. He mentioned that the Centre addressed weaknesses in the justice system and public confidence in the rule of law. He said, "CSLS has worked to ensure that reforms translate into meaningful outcomes for citizens."
He encouraged CSLS to continue its commitment to excellence and noted that challenges remain. He urged the Centre to draw inspiration from its past achievements.
The event had many notable attendees, including former President of the Court of Appeal Zainab Bulkachuwa, the Attorney General of the Federation's representative Leticia Daniels, the Director of the Nigeria office of the MacArthur Foundation, and the Executive Secretaries of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) and the Federal Capital Territory Judicial Service Committee.
Mr Akinseye-George stated that the event marked a significant milestone for the Centre. He called for reflection on the many challenges facing Nigeria, like insecurity, kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. He warned these issues threaten national stability and economic development.
He suggested reducing cash circulation and creating an effective whistleblower program to fight terrorism and kidnapping. He also called for registering all vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles nationwide, alongside investing in technology to tackle insecurity.
He urged the government to invest in drones, surveillance technology, and monitoring systems to detect suspicious activities quickly.
He emphasized the importance of community participation, job creation, youth involvement, and proper regulation of vigilante groups.
The event concluded with the launch of the National Minimum Standard (NMS) website and magazine. CSLS compiled the NMS to ensure all states implement the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and its laws uniformly.
Some NMS practices include handling pre-trial issues, interlocutory proceedings, remands, confessional statements, case management, and plea-bargaining.
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