In a bid to reform the Judiciary and quicken Justice delivery in the state, Enugu state government in conjunction with Lextech Ecosystem Limited, ( a Nigerian Legal technology company) have trained and graduated 39 pioneer Verbatim court reporters in the state.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the Innocent Umezulike Auditorium, High Court, Enugu, on Tuesday, the state Governor , Dr Peter Mbah, said the Reporters were trained to enhance efficiency and quicken Justice delivery in the courts in the state.
Represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal matters , Osinachi Nnajieze, Governor Mbah said their services will ensure that justice is done without delay.. He said the Verbatim reporters were the first fruit of his administration:s reform the Judiciary , expressing the confidence that they were going to deliver.
“You are going to be the first fruit of our reform. We have confidence in you. You will set the pace. You will help us to take records accurately. You will help us to retrieve the records quickly. You are a critical part of what needs to be done for judiciary to thrive”, he said.
Congratulating the graduands, Governor Mbah said , “you came this far because you are good enough. Your story in judiciary starts now. “.
Pix: SPA Legal , Nnajieze
He assured that the Judiciary will not be left behind , saying, “we will work and see that the Judiciary is carted for.”
In his address, the Chief Executive Officer ( CEO) Lextech Ecosystem Limited, Emeka Albert said the event marked the beginning of a new chapter in the administration of justice in Enugu state, adding that it was born out of a vision to equip the courts with real- time transcription professionals who will bridge the long standing gap on accurate and efficient court reporting .
Congratulating the graduands, Albert said they showed ” resilience, focus and adaptability in mastering a skill that is both technical and deeply impactful to the justice sector.
” You are touch bearers of a transformative movement, the judicial system” Albert said.
He commended the state government, the ministry of Justice , the Judiciary for their foresight, commitment and drive towards the initiation and implementation of the project. He also thanked the trainers, facilitators and project team for their efforts in laying a solid foundation for the graduands to thrive.
Pix:Albert(L) Ezeme (M) Nnajieze ( R)
In his goodwill message, the Principal , LexTech Verbatim Reporters Academy ( LVRA) Olujide Adeniran, said the graduands during their training, they demonstrated dedication, perseverance and a passion for the art of court reporting.
“You have honed your skills in LexscriptsAI, developed your knowledge of legal terminology, sharpened your skills in accurately presenting the spoken words in text and cultivated the professionalism. required to excel in this field.
“As court reporters , you will play a vital role in the administration of justice. Your work will ensure that accurate records are created and that the voices of all parties involved in legal proceedings are captured with precision and integrity.
“I urge you to to remember that your role is not just about transcribing words, it’s about preserving the integrity of the legal process. It is about being the Judges’ helpmeet. Your professionalism ,attention to details and commitment to accuracy will be essential in upholding the trust placed in you..
‘Always strive for excellence.in your work,build strong professional relationships with the Judges,counsels, and other stakeholders. Continuously develop your skills and knowledge to stay ahead in this ever-evolving field”, he urged Verbatim Reporters.
Pix: The Graduands
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Chief Judge of Enugu state, Hon. Justice A. R. Ozoemenam , who was represented by Hon. Justice Ngozi Oji., the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, who was represented by a Director at the ministry, Uzoamaka Okeji,. Anthony Ani(SAN) also gave a goodwill message. They all said digitized Verbatim court reporting will bring about accurate and transparent justice delivery in the courts . They commended governor Mbah for his good works in the Judiciary and the state in general.
Speaking on behalf of others, the best overal gradiand, Ezeme Chibuikem thanked Governor Mbah, the CEO Lextech Ecosystem Limited, Emeka Albert, and all those who contributed to the successful completion of their training He promised that they will put in their best and be good examples to anyone that comes behind them.
Highlights of the event were presentation of awards, certificates to the graduands and cutting of graduation cake.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama