The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, through its Bureau of the Public Defender (BPD), formerly the Office of the Public Defender (OPD), has marked its 25th anniversary with a commemorative event themed “Honouring the Past, Defending the Future.”
The celebration, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, recognised the agency’s dedicated service to making justice accessible in the state since its establishment in 2000.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, congratulated the BPD for its “steadfast service.”
READ ALSO: Lagos govt reasserts right to enforce physical planning laws at Trade Fair Complex
He praised the agency as a “shining example” of the state’s commitment to protecting the rights of its vulnerable citizens.
“The OPD has stood for the voiceless, defended the weak, and offered hope to countless residents whilst making justice accessible to everyone in the state,” the governor noted.
Sanwo-Olu expressed pride in the state’s efforts to strengthen the agency, which include expanding its community offices and prioritising access to justice under the THEMES Plus Agenda.
Lawal Pedro, the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, highlighted the agency’s growth from a modest office to a full-fledged institution.
He noted its landmark victories in areas like criminal defence, human rights, and domestic violence.
“For 25 years, OPD has embodied the conscience of our justice sector. Today, as we celebrate the past, we must also recommit ourselves to strengthening the BPD to defend the future of justice in Lagos State”, Pedro stated.
The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Hameed Oyenuga, stressed that the event served not only to mark a milestone but also to reflect on a journey of dedication.
He affirmed that the Bureau has consistently upheld that access to justice is a right, “not a privilege.”
READ ALSO: Lagos govt demolishes illegal structures at Trade Fair Complex
Olubunmi Adesomoju, the Director of the Bureau, thanked the attendees for their support and pledged that the BPD would remain unwavering in its mandate to innovate, expand, and defend the rights of the vulnerable across Lagos State.
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, stakeholders, and partners, including representatives from Pepperdine University, USA, UNICEF, and other key organisations in the judiciary and civil society sectors.
