The Benue State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, commenced the second session of its 10th Assembly with its first sitting at the Assembly Complex, Makurdi. The session, presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, was marked by leadership confirmations, legislative deliberations on education reforms, and urgent motions aimed at reviving the state’s industrial and cultural sectors.
At the plenary, the Assembly confirmed Dr. Bem Fasema Mela as Clerk and Dr. Francis Adole Francis as Deputy Clerk of the House. Speaker Emberga described the appointments as a boost to the Assembly’s leadership structure, assuring that the new appointees would strengthen legislative performance. To mark his leadership, the Assembly crew also presented a portrait to the Speaker, who pledged sustained collaboration with the media, highlighting his advocacy roots as a guide to prioritizing their welfare.
On education, Hon. Thomas Dugeri (Kwande West), Chairman of the Standing Committee on Higher Education, presented reports on three amendment bills. These focused on the Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Law (2020) and the laws establishing the Colleges of Education in Katsina-Ala and Oju. Dugeri explained that the proposed amendments seek to modernize academic institutions, enhance operational frameworks, and improve service delivery in the state’s higher education system.
Industrialization also dominated the sitting. Hon. Blessed Onah Emanuel (Oju Constituency) moved a motion lamenting the abandonment of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, noting that its neglect has denied Benue State significant revenue. He called on Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia to order the renovation of the ministry’s secretariat and restore its functionality. The House resolved to urge the Ministry of Finance to allocate adequate funding for its rehabilitation.
Hon. Samuel Anyor Matu (Kwande East) led another motion advocating for the establishment of agro-allied industries to boost agricultural productivity and raise the state’s GDP. His motion received support from lawmakers including Hon. Douglas Akya (Makurdi South), Hon. Agada (Obadigbo), and Hon. Bendoo Ipusu, who also emphasized the need to revive moribund industries such as the Tomato Company in Wannune and the Rice Mill in Katsina-Ala. Hon. Dugeri proposed the creation of a standing committee to identify all defunct industries before new establishments are considered.
The Assembly further commended the APC-led administration for its modest strides in industrial development but urged the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to ascertain the status of abandoned industries for possible revival.
In his closing remarks, Speaker Emberga reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to enacting effective laws and working closely with the executive to foster sustainable development across Benue State.
By Ben Ukpe
