The Benue State Government (BNSG) has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive governance, women’s empowerment, and community-driven development with the official launch of the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership (RWVL) Project in Makurdi.
RWVL is funded by the Government of Canada through ActionAid Nigeria and is implemented in partnership with Community Links and Human Empowerment Initiative (CLHEI). The project is designed to strengthen women-led organisations, enhance women’s participation in governance and decision-making, and build the institutional capacity of local civil society organisations across Benue State.
Declaring the project open on behalf of Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the Governor of Benue State, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Serumun Deborah Aber, Esq., described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of Benue’s communities and a practical demonstration of the global localisation agenda.
She emphasised that sustainable development is best achieved when local institutions—particularly women-led organisations—are empowered to design and implement solutions that reflect the needs, realities, and aspirations of their communities.
Barr. Aber commended the Government of Canada, ActionAid Nigeria, and the implementing partners for placing confidence in indigenous organisations, noting that the project represents a model for inclusive, sustainable, and locally driven development cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of the implementing women’s organisations, Dr Helen Teghtegh explained that the RWVL project seeks to strengthen women’s leadership capacity, particularly in conflict-affected communities, enabling them to overcome structural barriers and actively participate in leadership, governance, peacebuilding, and development processes.
In his goodwill message, the Director General of the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), Dr Leo-Angel Viashima, said the launch of the project reflects the growing confidence of international development partners in Benue’s indigenous institutions. He noted that the initiative also validates the Bureau’s efforts to advance the localisation agenda through strategic coordination, partnership building, and strengthened collaboration between government and development partners.
Also delivering goodwill messages, representatives of the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and the Benue State Budget and Economic Planning Commission stressed the importance of strengthening women’s leadership, promoting peace and social cohesion, and deepening collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and development partners to accelerate sustainable development across the state.
The launch attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives of the Benue NGOs Network (BENGONET), civil society organisations, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), women-led groups, traditional rulers, government officials, development partners, and members of the media. Their participation underscored a shared commitment to promoting gender equality, strengthening civic engagement, and creating an enabling environment where women and local institutions can thrive.
The Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Project marks another significant milestone in Benue State’s expanding partnership with the international development community. It reinforces the state’s commitment to locally led development, stronger institutions, and inclusive governance while positioning women at the centre of building peaceful, resilient, and prosperous communities.
