In a significant move to combat exploitation and harmful traditions, the Benue State House of Assembly has passed legislation to create a dedicated commission for the protection of widows.
The newly approved bill, formally titled “A Law to Establish the Benue State Widows Commission and for Related Purposes, 2025,” aims to outlaw discriminatory cultural practices targeting widows and provide a framework for their support and advocacy. It was passed during Tuesday’s plenary session in Makurdi.
Leading the legislative debate, Beckie Orpin, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Welfare, emphasized the critical need for the law. She described widows as one of society's most vulnerable groups and stated that the bill reflects the assembly’s constitutional duty to protect its citizens.
Following the debate, Majority Leader Thomas Dugeri moved for the adoption of the committee's report and all clauses of the bill. The legislation was subsequently read a third time by Clerk Bem Mela and formally passed by the assembly.
Assembly Addresses Funding Crisis at Rehabilitation Board
In a related development during the session, the House turned its attention to the plight of the Benue State Rehabilitation Board in Apir. Presenting a report from a familiarisation visit, Committee Chairman Beckie Orpin highlighted severe institutional neglect.
She informed the assembly that the enabling law for the board is obsolete and called for its repeal. Orpin detailed a dire lack of basic infrastructure, including a sick bay, instructional materials, and operational vehicles. She also pointed out that the current monthly contribution of N100,000 from local government councils is "grossly inadequate."
Contributing to the discussion, lawmakers expressed deep concern. Thomas Dugeri described the conditions as "pitiable," citing massive infrastructural decay and poor student nutrition due to insufficient funds. McClinton Manger, representing Tarka Constituency, noted that even the meager N100,000 allocation is often not released.
In his ruling, Speaker Alfred Emberga directed relevant committees to draft a bill to repeal the board's outdated 1996 edict. To address the immediate crisis, the House approved a drastic increase in the board's monthly allocation from N100,000 to N1.5 million.
The Speaker also issued several directives to the state government, including the timely release of funds, the procurement of a Toyota bus for student transport and a Hilux van for official use, and the provision of necessary instructional materials to improve learning at the facility.
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