Benue Assembly passes bill to protect widows from harmful cultural practices
Benue State House of Assembly has given its approval to a new bill establishing the Benue State Widows Commission, aimed at ending abusive cultural practices targeted at widows and shielding them from all forms of exploitation.
The legislation, officially titled “A law to establish the Benue State Widows Commission and for Related Purposes, 2025,” scaled through its final reading on Tuesday during plenary in Makurdi.
During deliberations, Beckie Orpin, who heads the Committee on Women Affairs and Social Welfare, stressed that the proposed commission is crucial because widows remain among the most at-risk groups in the state.
She noted that the assembly, through the passage of the bill, has reaffirmed its constitutional mandate to defend vulnerable citizens.
Thomas Dugeri, the majority leader, thereafter moved the motion for the adoption of the committee’s report, recommendations, and every clause contained in the bill. Following this, Speaker Alfred Emberga instructed the clerk, Bem Mela, to conduct the third reading, after which the bill was passed.
In another development, lawmakers reviewed the report of the standing committee on women affairs and social welfare after its assessment visit to the Benue State Rehabilitation Board in Apir.
Presenting the findings, Orpin disclosed that the law establishing the board is outdated and needs to be replaced. She further pointed out that the present monthly contribution of N100,000 from local government councils is insufficient for the board’s operations.
According to her, the facility is grappling with a lack of essential amenities, including a functional sick bay, learning materials, and operational vehicles.
Contributing to the discussion, Dugeri described the facility’s state as deplorable, lamenting the widespread structural decay and inadequate feeding of children as a result of poor funding.
McClinton Manger, representing Tarka constituency, added that the already meagre N100,000 contribution is often not released, calling on the government to urgently intervene to safeguard the welfare of the children housed at the centre.
After considering the submission, the speaker instructed the committees on women affairs, business and rules to initiate a new bill that will repeal the 1996 edict under which the rehabilitation board currently operates.
He also revealed that the assembly had approved an increase in the board’s monthly funding from N100,000 to N1.5 million.
Additionally, he directed the commissioner for finance to ensure prompt disbursement of funds and ordered the procurement of a Toyota bus for the students and a Hilux vehicle for official duties.
Emberga further emphasised the need for adequate instructional materials to enhance teaching and learning within the facility.
