The Justice Aderemi Annual Law Series Foundation (JAALS Foundation), a Nigerian non-governmental organization at the weekend announced that it would train 50 Senior Registrars of the Federal Hight Court.
The Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the JAALS Foundation, Mr. Tolu Aderemi made the disclosure of this groundbreaking initiative during the 2024 Walk4justice event held on Saturday February 3, 2024.
The Walk4justice, which had in attendance Distinguished members of the Bar, the Bench, and corporate Nigeria started from Falomo-Ikoyi to the premises of the Federal High Court in Queens Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos State.
Aderemi said that the training program comes as the Federal High Court celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Aderemi, the Convener of the #Walk4justice, a Partner at Perchstone & Graeys and also chairman, International Law Association Arbitration Committee, expressed concern about the avoidable congestion in prisons and the state of Nigerian court infrastructure and personnel.
He called for swift action to ensure that justice remains accessible to all, stating that the perception of justice being out of reach for the common man must be addressed.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, JAALS Foundation, Emeritus Professor Michael Omolewa, described the Foundation’s commitment as a significant step towards reforming Nigeria’s justice system.
He called on other individuals of means to support the Foundation’s cause while emphasizing the importance of the Court as the last hope of the common man.
Hon. Justice Munta Abimbola, the immediate past Chief Judge of Oyo State, commended the JAALS Foundation for its dedication to training Court Registrars.
Recognizing the pivotal role played by Court Registrars in the administration of justice, he stressed the importance of providing them with regular training.
Justice Abimbola also expressed his gratitude to the Foundation for its support of justice and urged other well-meaning Nigerians to join in supporting the cause.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Bisi Makanjuola, eulogised the JAALS Foundation for its laudable initiative.
He encouraged judges to continue their hard work, citing Hon. Justice Faji as an exemplary model.
Mr. Osaro Eghobamien, SAN, a member of the National Judicial Council, commended the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to improving the administration of justice.
He also highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure improvement in the Nigerian court system and expressed confidence that the training sponsored by the JAALS Foundation would contribute significantly to addressing these challenges.
Babatomiwa Adesida of Sahara Group, a private sector player, joined the voices advocating for an improved justice system in Nigeria.
Adesida emphasized the court system as the true hope of the common man and called on more Nigerians to support the JAALS Foundation’s cause.
Hon. Justice Faji, the host Judge, expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the Walk and specifically thanked the delegation and the JAALS Foundation.
He pledged to transmit the letter to the Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, expressing his thanks on behalf of the Court.
The event received support from organizations such as the International Federation of Women Association (FIDA), the Women In Prison Initiative (WIPSI), and various private sector players.
The JAALS Foundation’s commitment to training Senior Registrars of the Federal High Court marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s justice system. With the support of various stakeholders, including the legal community and private sector players, the Foundation’s initiatives are poised to make a lasting impact on the administration of justice in the country.