As part of efforts to ensure children in conflict with the law are rehabilitated and do not go the criminal justice system, the Diversion Programme has been taken to Lagos Mainland Local Council by the Bureau of Public Defender and UNICEF. This, the promoters said, is part of efforts aimed at deepening the acceptance of the diversion programme at the local councils and grassroots across Lagos State.

Speaking at the sensitization programme, the Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Council, Jubril Kolawole Emilagba, said that the council is happy that the diversion programme is brought to the Lagos Mainland Local Council. “And we are willing to mobilise stakeholders and financial resources to make the project a success in our community. We would be willing to partner with UNICEF and the Bureau of Public Defender on this project because of its importance and huge benefits especially in helping to educate the pupils and their parents about the programme and its importance.

“It is a welcome programme though there should be more sensitisation. We are ready to sponsor the collaboration but UNICEF and BDP need to be involved because they know more about the programme than us though we are ready to imbibe the message they are passing to our children. It is a very important programme for the community and that is we are committed and ready to spend public fund on the project,” Emilagba stated.

UNICEF Programme Officer, Ms Gloria Odimba, stated that the programme that has been championed by UNICEF for children in conflict with the law and it is about children not to be remanded in prisons with adults especially when it is for minor offences.

“Children who committed minor offences should take an alternative route away from the criminal justice system to a system that is child friendly. This is the advocacy we bring to your community and local council. We are saying that instead of punishment, the diversion programme looks at rehabilitation and the local council is important in the process if it must succeed,” Odimba said.

Also speaking, a Director with the Bureau of Public Defender, Lagos State, Mr. Olajide Odusanya stated that the goal is for children not to go through the traditional justice system route when in conflict with the law. He added that children in conflict with the law are among the most vulnerable and often come from circumstances marked by poverty, neglect, trauma or lack of a supportive system. “Too often, the justice system designed for adults becomes the first responder to issues that fundamentally and socially relate to these children.”