BPD takes diversion programme advocacy to Ajeromi-Ifelodun council

As part of efforts to deepen the acceptance and institutionalisation of the diversion programme across Lagos State, the Bureau of the Public Defender (BPD) has intensified its advocacy campaign by engaging Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Council to encourage greater local ownership of the initiative.

The advocacy is aimed at ensuring that local councils take the lead in implementing diversion programmes for children in conflict with the law, thereby strengthening child-friendly justice and reducing reliance on formal prosecution.

A BPD delegation, led by one of its Deputy Directors, Mrs. S. O. Ladipo, alongside Ms. Gloria C. Odimba, the Bureau’s Programme Officer for UNICEF collaborations, and other officials, paid a courtesy and advocacy visit to the council as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the administration of child justice in Lagos State.

The visit forms part of the Bureau’s partnership with UNICEF to promote the establishment of diversion programme centres across local government areas in the state.

The initiative is designed to encourage stronger support from local councils for child-centred justice by providing alternatives to prosecution for children who come into conflict with the law, while promoting their rehabilitation, reintegration into society and the protection of their rights.

According to the Bureau, the advocacy campaign is intended to build the capacity and commitment of local councils to implement diversion programmes as an effective tool for addressing juvenile offences without exposing children unnecessarily to the criminal justice system.

Before the visit to Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Council, the BPD and UNICEF advocacy team had undertaken similar engagements with other councils, including Alimosho Local Government and Lagos Mainland Local Government, as part of the ongoing statewide campaign to expand the diversion programme and strengthen child justice administration across Lagos.