Governor of Kwara, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has emphasised the importance of training and retraining of judicial officers for the nation to fully benefit from the sector.
AbdulRazaq spoke at the opening ceremony of the training organised for magistrates in the state by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in collaboration with the Judicial College of England and Wales in Ilorin, yesterday.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi, noted that the programme was designed to provide the magistrates with the latest tools and techniques to enhance their skills and knowledge.
“The programme is an important step towards ensuring that magistrates are adequately equipped with requisite knowledge to deliver justice effectively.
“I hope the participants will find the training to be informative, engaging and rewarding,” he said.
The governor urged the magistrates to emerge with new insights and perspectives towards administering justice with impartiality as enshrined in the judicial oath.
“As magistrates, given the huge number of cases you preside over, you play a critical role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served. Your work is essential to the functioning of our society, and I commend you for what you do,” he said.
Governor AbdulRazaq thanked both the NJI and the Judicial College of England and Wales for making the programme a success.
He expressed the desire for more collaboration towards enhancing the capacity of judicial officers at all levels.
In her address, wife of the governor, Olufolake, observed that the training of magistrates is an integral part of ensuring an effective legal system. “The training will also afford the participating magistrates the opportunity to collaborate, share experiences and learn,” she said.
Speaking earlier, Chief Judge of Kwara, Justice Ayodeji Adebara, acknowledged the role played by Gov. AbdulRazaq and his wife in facilitating the collaboration and releasing funds for the training.
He described magistrates as the backbone and heart of the justice system. “The training has been designed to equip the participants with the required tools, knowledge and skills to discharge their duties faithfully.”
Adebara advised them to seek knowledge with humility, and appreciate the diverse perspectives that would come before them. “You should remain true to the oath you have taken to serve the cause of justice. Justice is not merely a legal concept.
It is a moral imperative that demands unwavering commitment to uphold the rights and freedom of every individual who seeks justice in court,” the Chief Judge said.