From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Kaduna State Multi-Door Courthouse (KDMDC) has announced the commencement of the 2025 Kaduna State Settlement Week, scheduled to hold from Monday, July 28 to Friday, August 1, 2025, at the High Court Complex, Bida Road, Kaduna.
Speaking at a media engagement breakfast in Kaduna, the Director of KDMDC and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre, Dorcas Levy Daniel, revealed that the Honourable Chief Judge of Kaduna State and Chairman of the ADR Committee, Justice M.T Aliyu, would formally declare the event open on July 28.
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“As a part of the judiciary’s commitment to access to justice, the Honourable Chief Judge has directed that all courts across the state be closed during the Settlement Week.
“This will allow judicial officers to refer eligible cases for resolution through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms”, she said.
According to Daniel, during the Settlement Week, individuals and institutions will have the opportunity to walk into the Multi-Door Courthouse to submit disputes for free mediation services aimed at resolving conflicts in a timely and cost-effective manner without resorting to lengthy court processes.
Chairperson of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kaduna Branch, Olufunke Bamikole, used the occasion to rally media support in amplifying the work of FIDA across communities in the state.
“Many victims of abuse, especially in rural areas, do not know how to seek redress or who to turn to. FIDA offers free legal representation, paralegal training, mediation, and community sensitisation, yet the awareness about our services remains low”, Bamikole stated.
She emphasized the importance of media collaboration in expanding FIDA’s outreach, particularly in raising awareness about gender-based violence (GBV), sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and available legal pathways for survivors.
“We need the media to take this message to the nooks and crannies of the state. When people know their rights and how to protect them, our society becomes safer”, she added.
On her part, the Executive Director of Iron Grace Empowerment Centre, Gladys Matthew, also addressed journalists at the forum, highlighted the role of NGOs in complementing legal and judicial efforts to combat GBV and empower women.
“We provide survivors with safe spaces, skills training, and a platform to speak out.
“But we’re also pushing to equip women with digital and soft skills so they can earn a living from home.
“This is important because we know that economic empowerment is a shield against abuse”, Matthew noted.
She called on stakeholders, particularly parents, to be vigilant and proactive in the lives of their children.
“Many children are being abused while parents either don’t know or choose to ignore the signs. Parents must protect their children, know their whereabouts, and take full responsibility for their upbringing”, she advised.
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