The Chairman of Alimosho Local Government, Hon. Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson, has called on all stakeholders to unite in protecting children in conflict with the law by fully embracing the Diversion Programme, a child-centred justice initiative focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
He made this call during a Stakeholders’ Advocacy Meeting on the Diversion Programme for Children in Conflict with the Law, organised by the Bureau of the Public Defender, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, held at the Alimosho Conference Hall, Akowonjo.
The meeting which was in collaboration with UNICEF brought together representatives of the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, community leaders, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, parents and child protection advocates.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Akinpelu commended the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Justice and the Bureau of the Public Defender, for prioritising child-friendly justice reforms. He explained that the diversion programme is designed to give children who have committed minor offences an opportunity to be corrected outside the formal criminal justice system.
According to him, many of the affected children are not hardened criminals but vulnerable young people who need guidance, care and structured support, noting that exposing them to detention facilities and adult offenders often worsens their behaviour and permanently damages their future prospects.
The Alimoso LG Chairman stressed that the essence of the programme lies in rehabilitation through counselling, education and community support rather than punishment. He observed that once a child is pushed into the criminal justice system, stigma often follows for life, while diversion prevents that cycle and offers a genuine chance for reform. He further emphasised that the success of the programme depends on strong collaboration among government, security agencies, the courts, parents, traditional and religious leaders, and civil society, reaffirming the commitment of Alimosho Local Government to supporting child protection initiatives at the grassroots.
During the session, facilitators and child-justice experts highlighted the benefits of diversion, including the protection of children’s rights, prevention of repeat offences, keeping children in school, supporting families, avoiding imprisonment, building responsibility and moral values, and promoting safer communities.
Representatives of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies expressed strong support for the programme, noting that it aligns with national child rights laws and international best practices. Community and religious leaders also pledged to provide moral guidance, mediation and community-based supervision, while civil society organisations and development partners promised technical support, training and sustained public awareness.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Akinpelu urged participants to take the message back to their institutions and communities, describing the diversion programme as an investment in peace, security and long-term development.
He noted that the advocacy meeting marked a significant step toward building a child-friendly justice system in Alimosho and Lagos State at large, with expectations that the programme would reduce juvenile re-offending, keep more children in school, support families and build safer communities. He concluded that children who err deserve correction, not destruction, stressing that when a child is saved, the future of society is secured.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of an Award of Recognition to Hon. Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson for his outstanding support for the justice system and his commitment to child-related issues.
