BTvNEWS

Media engagement highlights the role of responsible journalism in promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution, access to justice, and peaceful conflict resolution.

By AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku, Kaduna, Nigeria

BTvNEWS: As part of preparations for the 2026 Settlement Week, the Kaduna Multi-Door Courthouse (KDMDC), under the leadership of its Director, Her Worship Dorcas Levy Daniel, organised a media engagement to equip journalists with the knowledge and ethical principles required for effective reporting of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

Addressing participants during the engagement held on Tuesday, the Deputy Director of the Kaduna Multi-Door Courthouse, Her Worship Sarah Sambo Ishaku, who delivered the welcome address on behalf of the Director, welcomed participants and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the media in promoting public awareness of Alternative Dispute Resolution.

She encouraged journalists to support the judiciary’s efforts by reporting ADR responsibly. Thereafter, the Assistant Director of the Centre, Amina Muhammadu Bello, Esq., described Settlement Week as more than a dispute resolution initiative, stating that it is “a platform aimed at bringing justice closer to the people.”

She explained that the programme provides an avenue for eligible court cases to be referred for mediation and other ADR mechanisms, while members of the public can also voluntarily submit disputes for peaceful resolution.

According to Bello, “the initiative reflects the commitment of the Kaduna State Judiciary to ensuring that justice is accessible, affordable, and efficient, while promoting dialogue, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.”

She noted that, beyond resolving disputes amicably, Settlement Week contributes significantly to decongesting the courts and strengthening public confidence in the justice delivery system.

Bello therefore encouraged legal practitioners, judicial officers, community leaders, institutions, the media, and members of the public to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the Kaduna Multi-Door Courthouse.

Speaking on “ADR Media Reporting,” Her Worship Sa’adatu Hamma emphasised that reporting Alternative Dispute Resolution requires a different approach from conventional court reporting because mediation and other ADR proceedings are confidential.

She advised journalists that “covering ADR should focus more on public education, innovations, impact, access to justice, and approved success stories rather than confidential proceedings.”

Hamma stressed that the media remains a critical partner in shaping public perception of the justice system, noting that “many citizens encounter the justice system for the first time through news reports rather than courtrooms.”

Highlighting the broader responsibility of journalists, she said: “By helping the public understand ADR, you are not merely reporting the news; you are helping citizens discover practical options for resolving disputes peacefully.”

She further called for sustained collaboration between the KDMDC and media organisations beyond ceremonial engagements, saying such a partnership should be built on “trust, accessibility, and mutual respect.”

Hamma also announced that the 2026 Settlement Week will take place from Monday, July 27, to Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Kaduna Multi-Door Courthouse ADR Centre, where disputing parties will have the opportunity to resolve eligible matters free of charge.

According to her, activities deserving sustained media coverage include new ADR initiatives, Settlement Week events, public enlightenment campaigns, training programmes, community mediation projects, restorative justice initiatives, research findings, interviews with ADR practitioners, and approved success stories.

Earlier, while delivering a presentation titled “KDMDC Doors and Advantages of Alternative Dispute Resolution,” Asiya Jummai Muhammad explained that the Multi-Door Courthouse system was established to provide multiple dispute resolution options tailored to the specific nature of disputes.

She stated, “Rather than directing every dispute to litigation, parties are guided towards the most suitable dispute resolution mechanism.”

Muhammad outlined the major dispute resolution “doors” available at the KDMDC to include mediation, Sulhu, Native Law and Custom, restorative justice, arbitration, trauma healing and counselling, as well as training.

She identified the major advantages of Alternative Dispute Resolution as speedy resolution of disputes, reduced costs, flexibility, preservation of relationships, voluntary compliance with agreements, and improved access to justice.

According to Muhammad, “ADR is not a replacement for litigation but a complementary mechanism that provides efficient, confidential, and relationship-friendly solutions to disputes.”

She added that the Kaduna Multi-Door Courthouse continues to play a strategic role in advancing Alternative Dispute Resolution and expanding access to justice across Kaduna State through innovative, people-centred dispute resolution mechanisms.