Lagos To Translate State’s Laws Into Yoruba Language (READ)

Lagos To Translate State’s Laws Into Yoruba Language

To enhance the accessibility and comprehension of Lagos State laws, the Lagos State Government has announced its plan to translate existing laws from English into Yoruba. This initiative was revealed during a One-Day Stakeholders’ Meeting focused on the People’s Perception Survey regarding the translation, organized by the Law Reform Commission in collaboration with the Lagos Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget. The event took place at the Debt Management Office, located in the STO Resources Centre, Assbifi Road, Ikeja.

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The translation initiative will utilize OpenAI’s GPT-4 technology to facilitate the process, ensuring that the diverse Yoruba-speaking population in Lagos State, as well as areas beyond, can easily understand and comply with the laws that govern them. By making these legal texts accessible in Yoruba, the government aims to bridge the communication gap between the law and its citizens.

Mrs. Umul-Kulthum Ninilomo Bashar, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Law Reform Commission, emphasized that translating Lagos State laws into Yoruba is more than just converting text from one language to another. It is about empowering the people by enabling them to access and comprehend laws in their mother tongue, thereby fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry. This initiative marks a significant step towards inclusivity and legal empowerment in Lagos State.

Describing the initiative as a groundbreaking approach to legal reform, combining the latest AI technology with the cultural realities of the residents, Bashar disclosed that the project aims to translate at least 70 laws annually, create a digital library of Lagos State laws in Yoruba, and set a new standard for other states to follow. She said that efforts have been made to also ensure the Ogu language is incorporated in the law reforms after the Yoruba language.

The Executive Secretary added that the initiative will not only improve public confidence in the government but also lead to the development of a state-of-the-art, AI-compliant interactive website, thereby enhancing the state’s legal framework. She noted that in addition to enhancing legal literacy, the project is expected to strengthen the relationship between citizens and the government.

In her words:

“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.”

She assured attendees that the project would significantly reduce enforcement costs and foster greater voluntary compliance with laws that have often been misunderstood due to language barriers.