Olawunmi Ajibike
Newly appointed and serving Magistrates and Judicial Research Officers in Ogun State Judiciary has again been admonished to take self-development seriously by reading beyond what is assigned, study beyond what is taught, ask questions, seek guidance, Improve their writing, refine their reasoning and deepen their understanding of their roles.
This was the charge given at a one-day training held at the Judiciary Complex, Abeokuta, by the Chief Judge of the State,Hon.Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu who added that though institutional training can serve as a guidance, only self-development can sustain excellence.
Hon. Justice Dipeolu further pointed out that the programme was carefully designed to strengthen judicial competence, reinforce ethical standards and deepen legal understanding in areas that are central to adjudication, asserting that topics selected for the training are practical, relevant and necessary , touching on legal research, judicial ethics and criminal responsibility, all of which are critical to sound judicial decision making.
Speaking further,His Lordship advised participants at the programme not to see the training as a routine attendance exercise but should be taken as a real opportunity for growth.
“In an institution such as ours, where the quality of our work directly affects lives, liberty, property and public confidence in the administration of justice, learning must never stop. Training is not optional; it is necessary. Retraining is not a mere formality; it is essential. The administration has remained deliberate in ensuring that our officers are continually equipped for the demands of modern judicial service. The law is dynamic, society is changing, technology is changing the way we work. New challenges arise every day. If we must continue to deliver justice in a manner that is efficient, credible, and intellectually sound, then we must continue to build capacity at every level. That is why this training is both timely and important.” The Chief Judge intoned.
In his address the Training Committee Chairman, Hon. Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje charged the participants to continue to work hard and be diligent in their duties ,which will justify the confidence reposed in them and be able to attain greater heights in the Judiciary. His Lordship also charged them to remain honest, incorruptible, fearless and faithful to the judicial oath taken upon appointment.
In her admonition to the trainees Hon. Justice Catherine Ogunsanya also advised Judicial Officers to define themselves through the exemplary ethical conduct provided by the guiding rules of the profession, be able to separate family relationship from their main duties and be wary of deceptive individuals , relationships that may likely put them into trouble and always remember put into use all ethical rules applicable to the profession in other to reach greater heights in their profession.
Speaking on the topic “ Advanced legal research: effective use of digital platforms, law and reports and research integrity “ , Professor Abiodun Odusote in his paper posited that technology has transformed legal practice that cannot be undermined ,while he also advised the participants to take opportunities relevant to the profession and include the use of technologically driven apps in this era of Artificial Intelligence.He also asserted that digital research has heightened expectations, promoted transparency and accountability using proper digital platforms such as Law Pavilion, Law room ,Grammarly, Google Scholar among others.
Speaking in the same vein ,Professor Kazeem Amusa highlighted that Nigerian courts should find a way to balancing the challenges of traditional need to prove a guilty mind against newer laws that hold people responsible .
He therefore advised Judges to work hard to find the right balance between punishing personal fault and protecting society.
Present at the one -day training programme were Management team of the Ogun State Judiciary.