BPD sensitises women on rights, offers legal support

The Bureau of Public Defender (BPD) has intensified efforts to promote access to justice for vulnerable groups, as it sensitised market women in Aguda Ultra-Modern Market, Lagos, on their legal rights and available free legal services.

The outreach, held on Thursday as part of the agency’s 2026 advocacy programmes, also commemorated International Women’s Day observed on March 8.

Speaking at the event, the Director of BPD, Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju, highlighted the various forms of discrimination and hardship faced by women, particularly widows and low-income earners.

“Women are being sidelined in so many ways, and it is our duty as BPD to protect them,” she said.

She noted that widows often face eviction and loss of custody of their children following the death of their husbands, while many women also experience workplace discrimination and other rights violations.

Adesomoju explained that the BPD serves as a first responder in cases of domestic and gender-based violence, assuring that all complaints are treated with urgency.

“We take all cases. Whether it is domestic or sexual violence, we listen, we give audience, and where necessary, we refer matters to the appropriate agencies,” she said.

She urged women to take advantage of the agency’s free legal services, stressing that cost should not be a barrier to justice.

“The fact that something is free does not mean it is not qualitative. We have trained lawyers and mediators, and even judges attest to the quality of our work,” she added.

Explaining the choice of market women for the outreach, Adesomoju described them as part of the most vulnerable segment of society.

“Our mandate is to protect the indigent and the vulnerable. Market women are at the grassroots; many cannot afford lawyers and are unaware of their rights. That is why we are here,” she said.

“We are the defence to the defenceless and the voice to the voiceless. That is why we are here, instead of going to places where people can afford lawyers.”

Addressing concerns about the quality of free legal services, Adesomoju dismissed the notion that free services are inferior.

“The fact that something is free does not mean it is not qualitative. We have trained lawyers and mediators who handle cases professionally. Even judges attest to the quality of our work,” she added.

Adesomoju informed the traders that the agency handles a wide range of legal issues, including debt recovery, tenancy disputes, family matters, and domestic violence.

Also speaking , the Head of the Advocacy and the Criminal Unit of the High Court, Mr, Babajide Odunsanya,  urged the market men and women to take advantage of the free legal services extended to them by the bureau, assuring them of access to justice without financial burden.

Odusanya explained that the government set up the agency to offer free legal services to them.

He encouraged those being maltreated by their spouses to bring the matter to the BPD for amicable settlement.

Odusanya also informed them of the existence of the Child Rights Law put in place by the government to protect the rights of the child.

He further stated the bureau handles issues of small claims and encouraged those who are owed money in the course of transacting businesses to approach the bureau for amicable settlement and redemption of such money owed them .

The Iyaloja of Aguda Ultral Modern Market,  Alhaja Sikiratu Balogun expressed appreciation that the BPD decided to visit the market to enlighten them about the consequences of domestic violence  and other social vices against women in particular.

Alhaja Balogun remarked that that there have been a lot of happenings in the area but for which they have not been able to speak out.

“ But now, we are happy that  the BPD is here.  Henceforth, we would come to the agency, we wont cover up anything again.  We are ready to cooperate with the government to ensure the success of the activities of the department.

The Babaloja of the market, Alhaji Sikiru Olanrewaju who shared the views expressed by the Iyaloja also appreciated the Lagos State Government for bringing the bureau to Aguda market in Surulere.

Olanrewaju described the public enlightenment as a rich one that would further enlighten the market men and women .

“If we see someone maltreating a child or a ward, we would approach the BPD, especially if the person has been somebody not ready to accept change.

“We are ready to cooperate with government to ensure that those who should be in school are in school  at the appropriate time and not in the market.

“when they bring their wards from the villages, we would make sure they are registered and attend schools before coming to the market to assist their mistresses”, he assured.

The Head and Coordinator of the Family and Child Justice Unit, Mrs. Salwat Oladipo, who also spoke at the event, encouraged women to speak up whenever their rights are violated.

“When people trample on your rights and deny you those rights, do not keep quiet. The government has provided the BPD to ensure that you have a place to seek help,” she said.

She emphasised that the agency is committed to protecting women’s rights in all areas, including family life, business, and child welfare.

“We care about you. We want to ensure your rights are protected in your homes, your businesses, and for your children. That is why we are here to fight for you,” she added.

During the interactive session, a trader, Mrs. Adenike Abiosun, raised concerns about whether men would also be sensitised, noting that many household decisions are made by husbands due to cultural norms.

Responding, Oladipo acknowledged the role of culture but stressed the need for women to assert their rights.

“Many men know the right thing to do but choose otherwise. When that happens, it is the women who suffer. If you are afraid to confront your husband, come to us we will help you,” she said.

She clarified that issues involving children are governed strictly by law.

“There is no one above the law. Every child has a right to education, safety, and health. A father must fulfil these responsibilities,” she said, while cautioning women against confrontations that could escalate into violence.

On accessibility, Oladipo explained that while BPD offices do not operate round the-clock, but support remains available.

“Our offices are not open 24 hours, but we have toll-free lines you can reach at any time. In emergencies, especially at night, the police remain the nearest point of contact,” she said.

She added that the agency works closely with law enforcement to ensure cases are properly handled and followed up.

In further remarks, Oladipo stressed the supremacy of the law over cultural practices, noting that societal changes must be embraced.

“Culture plays a role in our lives, but the law is supreme. Any culture that contradicts the law will not stand,” she said.

She cited inheritance rights as an example, noting that practices that once excluded women and children are no longer valid.

Read Also: Tinubu leads tributes as Nigerians mourn iconic Galadima

“Today, the law says there is no discrimination. A child is a child, and everyone has equal rights,” she added.

Also contributing, Mrs. Gloria Odimba, Head of the Criminal Justice Unit at the Magistrate Court, highlighted the role of women in shaping societal values through upbringing.

“If we want change, we must start with how we raise our sons. Women play a key role in teaching boys to respect others and uphold justice,” she said.

They reassured the women that the Lagos State Government remains committed to protecting their rights and ensuring access to justice for all.

The outreach ended with a strong call for women to speak out against abuse, seek legal redress, and take full advantage of the protections available under the law.

The programme featured direct engagement with traders, distribution of informational materials, and provision of contact details for follow-up support.

BPD officials also attended to individual complaints and encouraged participants to visit their offices for assistance.