By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
The Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Lamin Danladi Ogenyi, has called on women across the state to take a more active role in partisan politics and leadership, stressing that their participation is vital to achieving inclusive governance and sustainable development.
Danladi, who represents Ado State Constituency, made the call on Wednesday while speaking with journalists at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Square, Makurdi, during the 2026 International Youth Day celebration organised by the Benue State Ministry of Youths, Sports and Creativity in collaboration with Benue youths.
She urged women to view politics beyond voting, encouraging them to participate actively in political parties, policy discussions and leadership positions.
According to her, women entrusted with leadership responsibilities have repeatedly demonstrated commitment, diligence and determination to deliver results.
She noted that increased female participation in governance would promote gender inclusion while bringing diverse perspectives to policy formulation and decision-making.
The Deputy Speaker also expressed her preference for a woman to head the Ministry of Youths, Sports and Creativity, saying she would appeal to Governor Hyacinth Alia to consider appointing a female commissioner if given the opportunity.
“If I have my way, I will appeal to His Excellency, the Governor, to appoint a female as Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Creativity,” she said.
Danladi explained that appointing a woman to the ministry would provide an opportunity for women to contribute their perspectives to policies and programmes affecting young people, while ensuring that the concerns of female youths receive adequate attention.
Reflecting on her experience in the 10th Benue State House of Assembly, she said her position as a female lawmaker and Deputy Speaker had demonstrated that women could successfully occupy strategic leadership positions when given the opportunity.
She said her interventions and representation had covered critical areas, including health, education, infrastructure, youth development and women empowerment.
Danladi stressed that leadership should ultimately be measured by its impact on the lives of the people, adding that her legislative responsibilities had enabled her to support and complement the development agenda of the Alia administration.
The Deputy Speaker commended the organisers of the International Youth Day celebration for providing a platform for young people to discuss issues affecting their development and future.
She described the event as a step in the right direction, noting that youths constitute a critical component of Benue’s population and should be provided with the opportunities, skills and support needed to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
She also acknowledged the support of Benue youths for the Alia administration and urged them to sustain constructive engagement with government while supporting programmes designed to improve their welfare and prospects.
Danladi further called on youths to remain peaceful, politically conscious and actively involved in the democratic process, stressing that their participation would be crucial in shaping the future direction of governance in the state.
She particularly urged women and young people to move beyond being mere voters and become active stakeholders in political party structures, policy discussions and leadership.
She maintained that their voices must be adequately represented in decisions affecting their future.
Danladi’s advocacy is consistent with her earlier position on women’s participation in political leadership. In 2023, she said her emergence as a member of the Benue State House of Assembly and subsequent election as Deputy Speaker was supported by efforts of civil society organisations and development partners to promote women’s participation in political leadership and decision-making.
