Lagos MOJ Rewards Outstanding Officers, Celebrates Retirees at 2025 Merit Awards

LAGOS – The Lagos State Ministry of Justice (MOJ) rolled out the red carpet for its top performers on Friday, rewarding officers who exemplified unwavering commitment and professionalism throughout 2025 during a vibrant ceremony at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

The event doubled as a heartfelt send-off for meritorious retirees, blending accolades with tributes to decades of selfless service. It underscored the ministry’s culture of excellence amid Lagos State’s push for robust justice administration.

Delivering the keynote at the Year 2025 Merit Awards and End-of-Year Ceremony, Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, hailed the recipients and entire staff for their collective drive. “Our successes— from a 95% conviction rate in high-profile prosecutions to seamless legislative drafting—stem from teamwork across departments,” Pedro stated, crediting the ministry’s role in fostering Lagos’ relative peace and security.

He spotlighted the diligence of prosecutors, law enforcement partners, and drafters, whose efforts have bolstered public safety. Pedro urged continuous self-assessment: “Evaluate your performance, refine weaknesses, and aim higher. In Lagos, only the best serves our people.”

Awards Spotlight and Retiree Honours

Awards spanned senior and junior categories, drawing winners from diverse units like the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Citizens Mediation Centre, and Legal Drafting Department. Standouts included:

• Senior Category: Director Babatunde Adeyemi (Best Overall Senior Officer), Mrs. Funmi Adeola (Directorate of Public Prosecutions), and Mr. Chukwudi Okoro (Legal Advice Department).
• Junior Category: Mr. Aisha Mohammed (Administrative Officer), Tunde Balogun (IT Unit), and Esther Okon (Mediation Centre).

Cash prizes, plaques, and certificates marked the presentations, with over 20 officers recognised. Pedro congratulated winners, imploring sustained excellence, while lauding retirees like Mrs. Grace Ogunleye (35 years of service) for their “invaluable legacy.”

Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, echoed the sentiments, praising the massive staff turnout as a morale booster. “These awards ignite productivity; hard work’s reward is more impactful work,” he said, vowing greater strides in 2026.

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Oyenuga extolled the retirees’ enduring contributions, from landmark cases to administrative reforms, as a benchmark for newcomers.

Ministry’s 2025 Milestones

The ceremony capped a banner year for Lagos MOJ, highlighted by innovations like digital case management, community mediation resolving over 5,000 disputes, and collaborations curbing cybercrime. These feats align with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda, prioritising justice and security.

As Lagos eyes 2026, Pedro reaffirmed the ministry’s pledge to justice delivery, urging staff to innovate amid evolving challenges like urban crime and legal reforms.