NYSC: Legal aid CDS offers free legal service, medical checks to traders

THE Corps Legal Aid Unit, a special Community Development Service (CDS) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), on Friday offered free legal and medical services to traders in Lagos markets.

Mrs Tosin Onilenla, the Unit Coordinator, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the Abibatu Mogagi Modern Market, Iponri, Lagos that it was aimed at reaching out to underprivileged people that could not afford legal services.

“We came to the awareness that most of the market men and women are more engaged with their businesses.

“That deprives them the opportunity to consult on legal matters relating to them on their businesses, property or domestic violence,’’ Onilenla said.

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She said it was observed that many people preferred to stay in ignorance of their right, thinking that legal right was expensive.

Commenting, Mr Wasiu Oriade, the ‘Babalooja’, leader of the Abibatu Mogagi Modern Market, Phase 1, Iponri, who benefitted from the outreach, told NAN that he was happy at the gesture of the corps members.

According to him, at the initial stage, our members could not understand the mission of the lawyers.

“But when consultations and enlightenment were given to some of them, they went to inform their counterparts of the programme.

“Our members have now been educated on matters relating to their property, businesses and other vital issues like domestic violence.

“It is unfortunate that in this country, we still lack knowledge, but with these free services, my members will now know their rights,’’ Oriade said.

The ‘Babaloja’ urged the three tiers of government, corporate organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to support the group.

“We need them always in our society,’’ he said.

Another beneficiary of the outreach, Mrs Kudirat Ibrahim, commended the lawyers and medical doctors for their laudable efforts.

NAN reports that counselling, as well as free medical checks on blood pressure, sugar and glucose level, were given to the traders.

Also, free drugs were given and referrals made where necessary.