In a remarkable demonstration of their support for ADR proliferation in Lagos State and the nation at large, Honourable Justice Atilade reiterated the symbolic relationship that has always existed between ADR and the Judiciary as well as the direct impact on economic advancement. While pointing out the strategic business enabling efforts of the LCA and the Courts especially in improving access to commercial justice for the burgeoning private sector in Nigeria, the Chief Judge said “further collaborations between the LCA and the Lagos Judiciary in the areas of ADR promotion will be favourable to Lagos and Nigeria’s business climate by not only reducing the commercial cases in the Court’s docket but also supporting the efforts of the Government in attracting investments”. Receiving the delegates to the LCA was the first pioneer President of the LCA, Mr Babajide Ogundipe, Mrs Funke Adekoya SAN, Director, LCA and Mr Yemi Candide-Johnson SAN, President, LCA. In his welcome remarks, Mr Candide-Johnson SAN expressed his ap- preciation to the Lagos State High Court for its progressive and goal-oriented nature. He stated “We are proud that the Lagos State Judiciary, under your leadership, has remained a beacon of judicial excellence in Nigeria. As a stakeholder in the dispute resolution sector of the State, the LCA will continue to engage and collaborate with the Lagos State Judiciary in order to position Lagos as the dispute resolution hub in Africa”. Mr Candide-Johnson SAN reinforced the LCA’s commitment to further strengthen ties with Lagos State High Court by organising stakeholder forums and ADR workshops where members of the Bar, Bench and ADR practitioners can exchange knowledge and information about the rules, laws and mechanisms in place for effective ADR to develop in Lagos and Nigeria. In progressive strides, the LCA is implementing a series of industry-specific ADR Roundtables, interactive ADR Speakers network meetings with lawyers, students, entrepreneurs and business managers on the practical guides of applying ADR mechanisms to their business advantage through expeditious and efficient dispute resolution services. In addition, the LCA is recommending the introduction of Optional Fast-Track ADR Services for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) in Lagos Metropolis. The LCA has continuously emphasised the crucial role of the Judiciary in supporting ADR through its ADR awareness series, and has partnered with local and international ADR institutions to deliver training seminars to High Court Judges of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Lagos State in 2015 and 2013 respectively. Similarly, plans are ongoing to extend ADR trainings to High Court Judges of other States of the Federation. As part of the visit, the delegates were ushered on a tour of the International Centre for Arbitration and ADR (ICAA), Africa’s first purpose built ADR Centre equipped to meet users’ demands in line with international standards. Commending the LCA on the maintenance of the Centre and its facilities, Honourable Justice Atilade described the Centre as a national pride being on equal standing with other renowned ADR centres such as the Maxwell Chambers in Singapore. Registering her view of the performance of the LCA on the visitors’ feedback board, Honourable Justice Mrs. Atilade had a “Well done rating for the LCA”. Source: This Day News]]>