By Ezekiel Dontinna
The Prison Fellowship Nigeria (PF Nigeria), has organised Restorative Justice Sensitization Workshops to raise awareness and encourage the adoption of restorative justice (RJ) as an alternative to traditional punitive approaches in the criminal justice system.
The Executive Director, Prison Fellowship Nigeria, Dr. Jacob Tsado, disclosed this yesterday, while addressing Journalists at the press briefing organised by the Organisation at the NUJ Secretariat in Jos, the Plateau State capital
He said, “the focus and objectives of the Restorative Justice Sensitization Workshops is designed to raise awareness and encourage the adoption of restorative justice (RJ) as an alternative to traditional punitive approaches in the criminal justice system”.
Dr. Tsado explained that the training sessions for stakeholders, including legal practitioners, law enforcement, social workers and community leaders, is on the principles and practice of RJ.
He disclosed further that, the establishment of RJ Centers was aimed at Supporting the creation of Restorative Justice Centers within designated courts to facilitate pre-diversion programs and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
According to the PF Nigeria Executive Director, the rehabilitation and reintegration support was empower ex-offenders through skill development and community reintegration initiatives.
He highlighted more that the restorative justice emphasized on accountability, healing and reconciliation between offenders, victims, and affected communities.
Tsoda, however, disclosed that the PF Nigeria has been at the forefront of RJ advocacy since 2016, beginning with a collaboration with the Lagos State Government which led to the establishment of a Restorative Justice Center at the Samuel Ilori Court House, Ogba.
Streetbell Online 