Hon Beni Lar Flags-off Constituency Empowerment Programmes

BY CHAMBERLAIN ODEY, JOS – House of Representatives member for Langtang North/Langtang South Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Hon Beni Lar, has flagged-off empowerment programmes for women and youths in the area.

According to the lawmaker, there is no relenting in the continuous push to ensure her Constituency attracts and enjoys sufficient federal presence in the overall interest of the people.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Mabudi, Langtang South, Hon Lar said the Constituency, which is the only one in Northern Nigeria to produce a female lawmaker for three consecutive tenures, deserves the best, and quality representation from her.

“This is the only Constituency in the whole of Northern Nigeria that has produced a woman for the third time into the National Assembly. I never new I will be representing Langtang North and South in the House of Representatives for a third time”, she said.

For her; “This constituency deserves the best. I count it as a privilege. My success in this office is your success and that is why I have to listen to the voice of my people. I have been elected into the National Assembly to be a voice for the people of this Constituency.”

Lar said as a legislator, who is familiar with her mandate and responsibilities for almost 15 years in the National Assembly (NASS), the Constituency’s voice has been heard loud and very clearly over time, especially with calls for various interventions in the areas.

She explained that the journey began in 2007 when she was first elected into the NASS, and eventually served as the Chairperson, House Committee on Women Affairs that ensured the issue of gender was placed on the front burner of national discourse.

Reminiscing on her experience so far, Lar said; “It has been an interesting journey from 2007 when I was elected by the good people of Langtang North and South. I was made the Chairperson, House Committee on Women Affiars. The issue of women through the gender memoranda was brought forward and I led 40,000 women to the then Justice Uweh Committee to seek and lobby for more 35% gender affirmative action for women.

“We are still lobbying, and by the Grace of God, the Gender Opportunity Bill will soon be passed. And through the constitutional amendment that we are hoping to make, women will have 100 seats minimum in the Constitution, added to the 350 already in the Constitution and that will bring about stronger involvement for women.”

The Plateau-born lawmaker further said; “In a democracy, every voice must be heard, and that is why different groups are represented here today. We have the traditional Council, we have the elders, we have the road transport Union being represented, cultural associations, physically challenged persons too being represented, market women, among others.”

She said the event is for her to interact with the people and familiarize with the concerns of her constituents, in spite of the efforts so far made in influencing so many employments to her constituents.

“I am here today to listen to you people. What are the issues that are disturbing you people in this constituency? I know that a lot of youths have been employed and we will continue to do so,” she assured.

In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Area, Hon. Joshua Ubandoma Laven, said the constituents are proud of Hon Beni Lar’s landmark achievements representing the area in the Lower legislative chamber.

He further said it is heartwarming that the Lawmaker has always remained in touch with the Constituency, regularly briefing them on her stewardship in the National Assembly.