LASG, UNICEF ORGANISE THREE-DAY TRAINING ON DIVERSION COMMUNITY REHABILITATION PROGRAMME

The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has collaborated with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to organise a three-day Training/Meeting with State Level Stakeholders on the Diversion Community Rehabilitation Programme.

In her welcome address at the event held on Wednesday at The Patron Hotel, Ajah, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm. (Mrs) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, represented by Director, Social Welfare Department, Mrs. Toyin Jaiyeola, stated that the Diversion Community Rehabilitation Programme is not only very important to the State Government but highly beneficial to the children involved in the programme as well as the parents.

In her words, “The Diversion Community Rehabilitation Programme is an expression of inclusive governance initiative of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu which is to ensure that no one is left behind no matter the condition.

“It is aimed at enhancing the lives of our children who commit minor offences or in conflict with the law. Through it, children who used to be delinquent or involved in any antisocial behaviour are given formal and informal education to reform, rehabilitate and reintegrate them into society. It is to address the root causes of problems affecting children between 10 and 17 years”, she said. 

Oke-Osayintolu added that the programme has recorded a lot of success because it has rescued many children who would have become a thorn in the flesh of society today.

Speaking on behalf of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Programme/Social Policy Manager Mr. Muhammad Okorie commended the Lagos State Government for the initiative, which he described as ‘laudable” and very important to UNICEF.

According to him, “UNICEF is highly interested in the Diversion Community Rehabilitation Programme because it promotes and protects the Child Rights Laws. It takes care of the best interests of our children. It will impact the grassroots being a local government programme.

“The greatest investment we can make today Is to raise good children who will, in turn, be able to contribute to the growth and development of our economy as a nation”.

Okorie added that UNICEF is determined to help Local Government Areas in this area because of the multiplier effect it will have on the populace.

On his part, the Chairman, Mushin Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Olanrewaju Bamigboye commended the State Government and UNICEF for implementing the programme first in his local government, adding that other local government areas in Lagos State should emulate Mushin by adopting the Diversion Community Rehabilitation Programme as it will prevent delinquent children from falling into the hands of terrorists or bandits.

The Diversion Community Rehabilitation Programme, officially launched by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development as part of broader efforts to reform the juvenile justice system, was first adopted in Mushin in 2020. The Programme aimed at diverting young offenders away from the traditional criminal justice system, providing them with community-based rehabilitation services rooted in the principles of restorative justice aiming to reintegrate young offenders into society as responsible and productive citizens while reducing recidivism rates. 

The Programme also aimed at Reformation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration and is guided by Referral and Eligibility Criteria, Comprehensive Assessment, Development of a Rehabilitation Plan, Mentorship and Counseling, Educational and Vocational Training, Community Service and Restorative Justice and Family Support.

Seasoned and resourceful facilitators including Professor (Mrs.) Iyabo Ogunniran from the University of Lagos; Mr. Dennis Onoise, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF; Chief Magistrate A. B. Olagbegi-Adelabu (Mrs.) from Ikorodu Magisterial District and Mrs. Kemi Olugbode, Director, Legal Department (MYSD) took participants on topics like “Effect of Child Protection and Justice System on Diversion Programme”, “Importance of Child Protection and its Implementation on the Diversion Programme”, “The need for Establishment of Diversion Community Rehabilitation Programme in LGAs/LCDAs in Lagos State” and “The Position of Child’s Rights Laws in Separating Child Offender from Adult Offender”.

The programme was attended by representatives from Law Enforcement, Judiciary, Local Government Areas, Non-Governmental Organisations, Community Leaders, UNICEF as well as the Staff of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development.