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Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday inaugurated the Governing Council of the Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC), urging members of the Council to work assiduously to provide free and effective alternative dispute resolution of matters.
Ambode, speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Lagos, affirmed his administration’s desire to ensure growth and expansion of the CMC in recognition of the important role the Centre plays in dispute mediation.
“In every city where monetary, human and other capitals flow in such large volume as can be found in our state, an alternative to the adversarial means of resolving disputes must be put in place for easier and faster resolution of matters. Lagos state’s answer to this trend is the Citizens Mediation Centre.
“The Citizens Mediation Centre serves as an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre providing a non- adversarial forum for the mediation and settlement of disputes between parties who voluntarily agree to the mediation of the disputes by mediators.
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> “In recognition of the important role the Centre plays in mediating on disputes reported in respect of all matters that fall within the ambit of its statutory duties as well as providing free dispute resolution options, we, as government have continued to ensure the growth and expansion of the Centre into remote areas of the state,” governor Ambode said.
The governor said the setting up of the Council was in line with the Citizens Mediation Centre Law of 2015 (CMC Law), whose functions, among other things would include monitoring performance of the Centre.
“I have no doubt that you will all bring your wealth of experience to bear on the mandate of the Lagos State Citizens Mediation Centre and that you all will justify the confidence this administration has reposed on you,” governor Ambode said.
The Governing Council is headed by Hon. Justice Olayinka Gbajabiamila (Rtd) as Chairman and Mrs. Oluwatoyin Ogunsanya; Mrs. Omololu Adesina; Mrs. Amanda Asagba; Mr. Mohammed Iskil Lawal; Mr. Tokunbo Jaiye- Agoro and Mrs. Yinka Odukoya, as members.
The Attorney General said over the years, the Centre had become a household name, a reference point and a model for other states due to the commitment of the state government to enhance their service delivery.
In his vote of assurance, the newly appointed Chairman of the Council, Justice Gbajabiamila thanked governor Ambode for the confidence reposed in him and members of the Council, assuring that they would work assiduously to carry out their task in the best interest of Lagosians.
