16/06/2026
13th June, 2026
Court of Appeal @ 50: Governor Mutfwang Commends Justice Dongban-Mensem as Court Commissions ADR Centre in Plateau
The President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, has commissioned the Court of Appeal Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre in Ngootugut, Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State, reaffirming the Court’s commitment to promoting timely, efficient, and amicable resolution of disputes through mediation and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Justice Dongban-Mensem stated that the establishment of the Centre was aimed at decentralising the administration of justice and bringing alternative dispute resolution closer to grassroots communities.
She noted that mediation offers disputing parties a faster, more affordable, and less adversarial means of resolving conflicts while preserving relationships and fostering social harmony. According to her, the Centre will serve as an accessible platform for amicable dispute resolution, particularly for individuals and communities who may face challenges navigating the conventional litigation process.
The President of the Court of Appeal explained that the facility would help reduce delays associated with prolonged litigation, ease the burden on courts, and enhance access to justice, especially for citizens in rural and underserved communities. She disclosed that similar ADR Centres had previously been established in Abuja and Rivers State, with the Shendam Centre becoming the latest addition.
Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the Centre would contribute significantly to promoting peace, strengthening community relations, and improving the overall efficiency of the justice delivery system.
In his remarks, the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, described Justice Dongban-Mensem as one of Plateau State’s most accomplished and distinguished daughters whose exemplary service to the nation and unwavering commitment to community development continue to inspire generations.
The Governor recalled his support for her emergence as the substantive President of the Court of Appeal in 2020, noting that her eventual appointment represented a triumph of merit, integrity, competence, and justice.
“Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem has made Plateau State proud. Beyond her sterling judicial career, she has consistently demonstrated an uncommon commitment to the development of her community and the upliftment of our people. Today, we celebrate not only a judicial icon but also a worthy ambassador of Plateau State,” he stated.
Governor Mutfwang observed that the establishment of the ADR Centre would greatly improve access to justice by providing a faster, more affordable, and less adversarial mechanism for resolving disputes, particularly within rural communities. He added that the facility would deepen justice delivery while fostering peacebuilding and social cohesion through amicable dispute resolution.
The Governor further noted that the presence of the ADR Centre and Magistrate Court would stimulate additional development within Ngootugut and neighbouring communities, creating opportunities for growth and strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
Highlighting ongoing government interventions in Shendam Local Government Area, Governor Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s commitment to completing inherited road infrastructure projects and revitalising critical economic assets within the locality.
He also commended the support and cooperation extended to Justice Dongban-Mensem by her colleagues in the Court of Appeal and congratulated her on the Court’s Golden Jubilee celebration as well as her 69th birthday.
Delivering the goodwill message of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District and former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, lauded Justice Dongban-Mensem for her unwavering commitment to expanding access to justice through the establishment of the Magistrate Court and ADR Centre.
Senator Lalong described the initiative as a landmark intervention that underscores the President of the Court of Appeal’s dedication to bringing justice closer to the people, particularly those in rural and underserved communities. He noted that the facilities would enhance the timely dispensation of justice, reduce pressure on higher courts, and encourage the amicable settlement of disputes.
Also delivering a goodwill message, the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, praised Justice Dongban-Mensem for her visionary leadership and commitment to expanding access to justice through innovative and community-centred initiatives.
The Speaker described the commissioning of the Magistrate Court and ADR Centre as a landmark achievement that would strengthen access to justice and promote the peaceful resolution of disputes within communities. He further assured the President of the Court of Appeal of the Assembly’s continued support for initiatives that promote development, peace, and social harmony across Plateau State.
The event also coincided with the 69th birthday celebration of Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR. Following the commissioning, the President of the Court of Appeal hosted Governor Mutfwang and other distinguished guests, including senior government and judicial officials, to a luncheon in commemoration of the occasion.
