NGO trains 40 female lawyers on mediation skills in Plateau
Training
By Martha Agas
Jos, Sept. 20, 2018 (NAN) As part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and harmonious relationship among residents of Plateau, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), APURIMAC, has commenced training of 40 female lawyers on mediation skills.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants at the training, which kicked off in Jos on Thursday, were members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA).
Mr. Godwin Okoko, the Senior Country Advisor, Peace-building and Development, APURIMAC Nigeria, said the training was to enhance skills of lawyers on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
“Majority of the members of FIDA for this training are judges and magistrates from other lower courts, we believe certain cases or civil matters can be resolved through mediation outside the courtrooms to restore relationships.
“Out of court resolutions strengthen peace building structures in the society, it strives to ensure all parties are satisfied with decisions unlike the courtrooms where there is a winner or loser judgment,“ he said.
He said that the training would expose participants to best practices on building relationships through mediation skills, adding that participants were expected to impact optimally on their colleagues.
He said APURIMAC had trained media practitioners on conflict and sensitive reporting to curtail hate speeches and fake news.
He, however, urged that in volatile environments, peace must be a collective responsibility of everyone.
In his keynote address, Commissioner for Justice in the state, Mr Chrisanthus Ahmadu, said that mediation is the best alternative to allow parties participate fully in disputes resolutions.
Represented by Mr Nankwat Shaseet, the Director, Citizens Rights and Law Reform, he said that mediation was cost effective and less time consuming compared to the rigorous process in the conventional courtrooms.
He tasked the participants to strengthen their skills through the training and apply it in the discharge of their duties.
Mrs Mary Izam, the Chairperson of FIDA in Plateau, said the association had mediated on many families and community disputes cases.
She expressed hope that the training would further develop their skills to be more efficient.
NAN reports that the two-day training was a partnership among APURIMAC, FIDA and NEXUS Fund. (NAN)
MAA/JTJ/AFA
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Edited by Julius Toba Jegede/Felix Ajide