Justice Ministry Honours Outstanding Staff at 2025 Reward Ceremony
By Mercy Omotosho
The Federal Ministry of Justice on Monday held its 2025 Reward and Recognition Ceremony, honouring outstanding officers across its headquarters, zonal offices and affiliated agencies for exceptional service and dedication to the justice sector.
The event, held today at the Olusegun Obasanjo Auditorium, Federal Ministry of Justice Headquarters, Abuja, brought together senior officials, management staff and award recipients in a celebration of merit, professionalism and institutional excellence.
In her remarks, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, said the ceremony was designed to acknowledge and celebrate the commitment that sustains the justice sector, noting that many officers work diligently behind the scenes with little recognition.
She described the justice sector as occupying a unique and critical place in society, stressing that every policy implemented, case handled and reform pursued ultimately affects citizens seeking fairness and accountability.
Jedy-Agba stated that the awards were more than ceremonial, explaining that they represented the professional standards and core values the Ministry is committed to entrenching within its institutions. She added that recognising outstanding performance reinforces a culture of merit and accountability across the justice sector.
Congratulating the award recipients, she urged them to sustain their professionalism and mentor others, while encouraging all staff to remain committed to addressing institutional and sectoral challenges in order to uphold the rule of law and deliver services that command public confidence.
Delivering the keynote address, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN, said the ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the Ministry’s collective progress and reaffirm its commitment to excellence in service.
He emphasised that institutions succeed not merely because of structures but because of the commitment, sacrifice and professionalism of the men and women who serve within them.
The ceremony serves a dual purpose of honouring officers who have distinguished themselves through innovation and diligence, while institutionalising a culture of ethical conduct and measurable performance across departments and agencies.
The Attorney-General noted that the recognition initiative is rooted in the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2025 (FCSSIP25), the Ministry’s deliverables and the National Policy on Justice, which collectively promote results-driven governance, strengthen the rule of law and improve citizens’ lives.
He highlighted the Ministry’s achievements over the past year, including accelerated digital transformation through the implementation of the Electronic Content Management System, which went live on December 18, 2025.
He also cited progress in prosecutions, anti-corruption and terrorism cases, access to justice initiatives and human rights protection.
Fagbemi commended legal officers, administrators, researchers and support staff for sustaining the machinery of justice, assuring all staff that their contributions, including those made quietly, remain valuable to the success of the Ministry and the justice sector.
He reaffirmed that the justice sector remains the bedrock of democracy, stressing that there can be no order without justice and no sustainable development without trust.
Among those honoured as Director Awardees were Daniel Ebelechukwu Modozie (Federal Ministry of Justice), Sounding Collins Nweke (NCC) and Obi-Alio Vivian C. (Federal Ministry of Justice), among others.
Other Level Awardees included Dominic Ujoh (Federal Ministry of Justice), Danjuma Abraham Abina-Allah (Nigerian Law Reform Commission), Edibo Anuoluwa Lucy (Federal Ministry of Justice), Gbadebo Emode (Federal Ministry of Justice) and Orem Useni Samuel (Federal Ministry of Justice).
Middle Level Awardees recognised at the ceremony were Aisha Abdullahi Katungo (Federal Ministry of Justice), Justina Nkata-Emmanuel (NCC), Abdulkadir Aliyu (Federal Ministry of Justice), ACN Ejoha Oche Alexander (NDLEA) and Abimbola Jemila (Federal Ministry of Justice), among others.
MASCO Awardees included Esther Olugboye Temitayo, Awaji Vincent Vihilun, Adesipo Adedayo Muyiwa, Lawunmi Halilu and Dalhatua Aliyu, all from the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The ceremony also recognised staff from agencies under the Ministry, including NAPTIP, NDLEA, the National Human Rights Commission, the Legal Aid Council, the Nigerian Law School and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
The event concluded with a renewed call by the Ministry’s leadership for professionalism, collaboration and sustained commitment to building a justice sector that commands public confidence and national pride.
