Lagos To Translate State’s Laws Into Yoruba Language

In a bid to enhance the accessibility and comprehension of Lagos State laws, the Lagos State Government has announced its readiness to translate existing state laws from English into Yoruba.

This 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, organised by the Law Reform Commission in conjunction with the Lagos Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget. The event took place at the Debt Management Office, STO Resources Centre, Assbifi Road, Ikeja.

The initiative, which will utilise OpenAI’s GPT-4 technology for the translation process, aims to ensure that the diverse Yoruba-speaking population in Lagos State and beyond can easily understand and comply with the laws governing the State’s affairs.

Speaking on the initiative, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Law Reform Commission, Mrs. Umul-Kulthum Ninilomo Bashar said that translating Lagos State laws into Yoruba is not just about language but also about empowering people by enabling them to access and comprehend the laws in their mother tongue.

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.

Also, speaking at the event, the Yoruba Consultant, for the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs. Adejoke Deborah Olajide emphasised the cultural significance of translating Lagos State laws into Yoruba. She noted that language plays a vital role in understanding the legal framework and ensuring citizens’ participation in governance.

Olajide stated, “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.”

She further highlighted the importance of preserving the Yoruba language through legal documentation, saying, “This effort is not only about legal comprehension but also about preserving our linguistic heritage for future generations.”

She expressed optimism that the project would set a precedent for other states, contributing to a more inclusive and culturally sensitive legal environment.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman, Community Development Advisory Council, Alhaji, Hamzat Azeez said the essence of the initiative is to enable people to be aware and get the law disseminated to the grassroots, saying the residents need to know what the government has in mind and what the law says.

He maintained that ignorance is not an excuse in law, noting that it is very important the law is interpreted in the native language people understand for better awareness and compliance.

The event had in attendance the community representatives across the state who were grouped in different base and strategic areas of the State to have a public interface with people, sensitising them on the Yoruba translations Law and get their feedback and reactions on the initiative.