Admin l Monday, December 18, 2017
LAGOS, Nigeria – As part of Government efforts to enhance access to justice by vulnerable members of the society and reduce to the barest minimum the incidence of domestic violence within the state, the Lagos State Government has dedicated a telephone number (07080601080) toll free, for Lagosians.
This dedicated line is open 24/7 to members of the public, to call Government Officials who will take complaints and information from members of the public on issues affecting children, women and other vulnerable members of the society and to offer free legal services to the needy as may be necessary.
The Director, Office of Public Defender (OPD), Mrs. Olubukola Salami made this known in her Office at Surulere, emphasizing that the State Government would not relent on its efforts towards achieving a society free of crime so that Lagos State will continue to be a commercial mega city and the pride of all.
Mrs. Salami added that the toll free line is open to receive SMS/Text Messages and is equally WhatsApp enabled.
Emphasizing that Government is determined to ensure access to justice irrespective of financial status of Lagosians, the Director OPD stated that, “the Office of Public Defender (OPD) is principally established to provide free legal services to the vulnerable members of the society, including children”.
Furthermore, Mrs. Salami said that OPD is determined to ensure that the Poor, the Physically Challenged, the Pensioners, the Widows and other disadvantaged members of the society who cannot afford the legal fees of Lawyers are not left without necessary support, to make life meaningful to them.
Mrs. Salami therefore enjoined members of the public to make use of the toll free line which has been provided to make those targeted by Government to access the services of OPD without any barrier to distance or financial means.
Such patronage of the services of OPD by those concerned will make Government intention of promoting peace and harmony with the state realizable, she noted.
