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The Benue State House of Assembly opened its second session of the tenth assembly on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, with its first sitting at the Assembly Complex in Makurdi. Presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, the session featured key leadership confirmations, legislative deliberations on education reforms, and urgent motions addressing industrial and cultural neglect in the state.
The Assembly confirmed Dr. Bem Fasema Mela as the new Clerk and Dr. Francis Adole Francis as Deputy Clerk. Speaker Emberga commended the appointments, highlighting their role in strengthening the Assembly’s leadership for improved legislative performance. The session also included a special moment as the Assembly crew presented a portrait to the Speaker in celebration of his emergence, with Emberga assuring continued collaboration and prioritizing media advocacy needs.
In a significant legislative move, Hon. Thomas Dugeri (Kwande West State Constituency), Chairman of the Standing Committee on Higher Education, presented reports on three bills proposing amendments to the Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Law, 2020, and laws governing the Colleges of Education in Katsina-Ala and Oju. These amendments aim to modernize the institutions and enhance their operational frameworks for better service delivery.
The session also tackled industrial revitalization. Hon. Blessed Onah Emanuel (Oju State Constituency) moved a motion highlighting the dilapidated state of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, urging Governor Hyacinth Alia to renovate the ministry’s secretariat and restore its functionality. The House resolved to call on the Ministry of Finance to allocate adequate funding for the rehabilitation. Further discussions focused on agro-allied industries, with Hon. Samuel Anyor Matu (Kwande East State Constituency) advocating for their establishment to boost Benue’s agricultural productivity and GDP. Lawmakers including Hon. Douglas Akya (Makurdi South), Hon. Agada (Obadigbo), and Hon. Bendoo Ipsuu supported the motion, emphasizing the need to revive moribund industries like the Tomato Company in Wannune and the Rice Mill in Katsina-Ala. Hon. Dugeri proposed creating a standing committee to assess the number of defunct industries before initiating new ones.
The Assembly commended the APC-led government’s modest efforts in industrialization but urged the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to ascertain the status of moribund industries for potential revival. Speaker Emberga reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to fostering development through effective legislation and harmonious collaboration with the executive arm of government.
As the session concluded, the focus on education, industrial growth, and cultural preservation sets a promising tone for Benue’s legislative agenda in the coming months.
