Benue Governor Endorses ‘Her Seat in Parliament’ Campaign – SSG Assures Full Support

June 24, 2025

FIC Report (Benue State) – The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Deaconess Selumun Aber, has assured the Benue State Chapter of the League of Women Voters Nigeria (NILOWV) that Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia is fully committed to supporting the ‘Her Seat in Parliament’ campaign, citing his long-standing support for gender inclusion and empowerment.

The SSG gave this assurance during a town hall meeting organized by NILOWV in collaboration with the Women’s Political Participation Technical Working Group on Tuesday, 24th June, 2025, at the Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu College of Health Sciences, Makurdi.

She commended the drivers of the project “Advancing Women’s Inclusion and Representation in Leadership and Political Processes in Nigeria,” emphasizing that women must stand together and leverage their numbers to succeed. While acknowledging the often lengthy process of legislative bill passage, she encouraged patience and sustained advocacy.

Earlier, the State Chairperson of NILOWV, Mrs. Ruth Kpengwa, welcomed participants and announced that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has introduced a bill seeking the creation of additional legislative seats exclusively reserved for women.

Presenting a paper at the event, Mrs. Nyiyam Ikyereve emphasized the importance of support from women legislators at both state and national levels for the bill. She stated that reserved seats would give women the platform to tell their own stories and shape legislative narratives.

In a goodwill message, the Benue State Coordinator of the United Nations HeForShe Campaign, Msen Awuapila—represented by Joseph Mtemdoo Gbagyo—described the bill as timely. He stressed the need for its passage ahead of the next election cycle and pledged both technical and moral support to NILOWV.

The event witnessed strong endorsements from dignitaries, civil society organizations, and various women’s groups in the state, all pledging their commitment to ensuring the bill is passed.

In her closing remarks, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Elizabeth Achagh—represented by her Vice Chairperson, Comrade Veronica Azemba—assured participants that Benue women journalists are committed to amplifying the ‘Her Seat in Parliament’ advocacy until success is achieved.