By Amos Aar
THE LEGISLATORS’ Wives Association (LEWA), 10th Assembly, Benue State Chapter, has pledged to collaborate with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to strengthen ongoing efforts in tackling Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and advancing women’s empowerment across the state.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Association’s Executive Members, led by its President, Mrs. Victoria Ngodoo Alfred, wife of the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, to the Commissioner, Hon. Mrs. Theresa Ikwue, in Makurdi on Monday.
In her remarks, Mrs. Alfred commended the Commissioner for her inclusive and dynamic leadership, describing her as a compassionate advocate for women and children in the state.
She said LEWA, as a collective of legislators’ wives, was deeply concerned about the rising cases of SGBV and determined to support government efforts through sensitization campaigns, counselling, and community outreach.
“Women and children are the heartbeat of our communities. We believe that through partnership and sustained engagement, we can create safer spaces and provide opportunities for women, especially at the grassroots,” Mrs. Alfred said.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Association, Mrs. Elizabeth Iveren Dyako, reiterated LEWA’s commitment to ensuring that empowerment programmes reach women across the three senatorial districts. She said the partnership would promote vocational training, entrepreneurship, and mentorship for young women to foster inclusion and economic self-reliance.
Mrs. Dyako added that the collaboration is to enhance awareness and reporting of SGBV cases while equipping rural women with practical skills to support their families and contribute to community development.
Responding, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs. Ikwue, commended LEWA for the initiative, describing the partnership as “timely, strategic, and aligned with the administration’s vision for women’s advancement.”
She restated Governor Hyacinth Alia’s commitment to protecting and empowering women and children in Benue State, assuring the Association of the Ministry’s full support in implementing joint programmes.
“Collaboration with committed groups like LEWA helps amplify advocacy and ensures that our social protection systems work effectively for the most vulnerable,” the Commissioner stated.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Martha Edor, lauded the partnership as a forward-thinking move that aligns with the Ministry’s mission to safeguard the rights and welfare of women and children. She noted that eliminating SGBV and achieving sustainable empowerment require institutional synergy and continuous sensitization.
Similarly, the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Mr. Fele William, and the Director of Social Welfare, Mrs. Tachia Eunice, praised LEWA’s initiative, assuring that the Ministry’s departments would provide technical and psychosocial support to enhance victim assistance and strengthen community-based response systems.
Both parties expressed commitment to sustaining collaboration in combating gender-based violence and promoting women’s empowerment across Benue State.
