By Lukman Olabiyi
Fellows of Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (FLJLA) yesterday unveiled the Eko Law App to help the over 20 million residents have a better understanding of the state laws.
FLJLA, who stated that the Eko Law App is important due to its benefit, held that about 70 per cent of residents have experienced a legal problem, but only about 30 per cent had access to legal information.
The fellows, therefore, said to address the challenges, it is essential to create a centralised and user-friendly legal resource that provides easy access to laws and legal information.
Speaking at a press briefing to announce the app, Team Lead, Capstone Team Ace, Mr. Usman Adeniji, who spoke on behalf of the fellows, said that Eko Law App intends to improve legal literacy level in Lagos State by consolidating all relevant laws into a user-friendly app and simplify in English and translate them into Yoruba and then Pidgin.
“The Simplifier Project seeks to bridge the gap between legal complexity and public understanding, paving the way for a more informed, engaged, empowered citizenry.
“Access to laws and legal information is a significant challenge in Lagos State, Nigeria, where approximately 70 per cent of residents have experienced a legal problem in the past year (Lagos State Ministry of Justice, 2021). Despite the importance of laws in governing daily activities, many residents lack access to clear and understandable legal information, with only about 30% having access to legal information (Lagos State Citizens’ Mediation Centre, 2020).
“This leads to increased legal problems, over-reliance on informal sources, and a growing workload for the judiciary, with over 30,000 cases filed in 2022 alone (Lagos State Judiciary). To address these challenges, it is essential to create a centralised and user-friendly legal resource that provides easy access to laws and legal information.”
Adeniji noted that many Lagos residents lack access to clear and understandable legal information, leading to increased legal problems and disputes.