The Lagos State Government has announced plans to translate state laws from English into Yoruba to enhance accessibility and public understanding.
The initiative was disclosed on Wednesday during a One-Day Stakeholders’ Meeting on the People’s Perception Survey regarding the translation of Lagos State laws into Yoruba.
The event, organised by the Law Reform Commission in collaboration with the Lagos Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, was held at the Debt Management Office, STO Resources Centre, Assbifi Road, Ikeja.
Speaking on the initiative, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Law Reform Commission, Mrs Umul-Kulthum Ninilomo Bashar, said the translation project aims to empower Yoruba-speaking residents by providing access to laws in their native language.
She noted that the project goes beyond language translation, stating, “For too long, language barriers have led to misunderstandings and non-compliance, making law enforcement more costly and creating friction between the government and its people.”
Bashar described the project as a pioneering reform combining artificial intelligence with cultural realities.
She disclosed that the commission intends to translate at least 70 laws annually, establish a digital library of laws in Yoruba, and create a standard that other states can emulate.
“Efforts have also been made to incorporate the Ogu language in the reforms after Yoruba,” she added.
The Executive Secretary stressed that the project would strengthen the relationship between citizens and the government, improve public confidence, and reduce the cost of enforcing laws.
She further revealed plans to develop an AI-compliant, interactive legal website to support the initiative.
Mrs Adejoke Deborah Olajide, a Yoruba consultant for the Lagos State House of Assembly, highlighted the cultural relevance of translating the laws.
She remarked, “Yoruba is the native language of a significant portion of the population, and this translation project will allow more people to understand the laws that govern them. This initiative will bridge the gap between legal jargon and the everyday language spoken by the majority.”
Olajide emphasised the importance of preserving Yoruba language through legal documentation, stating, “This effort is not only about legal comprehension but also about preserving our linguistic heritage for future generations.”
She expressed optimism that the initiative would inspire other states to adopt similar reforms, contributing to a more inclusive legal environment.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Community Development Advisory Council, Alhaji Hamzat Azeez, reiterated the importance of disseminating laws to the grassroots for better awareness.
“Ignorance is not an excuse in law. It is very important that the law is interpreted in the native language people understand for better awareness and compliance,” Azeez said.
The event was attended by community representatives from across the State, grouped into different base areas to engage with residents and gather feedback on the Yoruba translation project.
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