Gov Alia Launches RWVL, Reaffirms Govt’s Commitment To Women Empowerment, Inclusive Governance
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Benue State Government has officially launched the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership (RWVL) Project, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive governance, women’s empowerment, and community-driven development.
Funded by the Government of Canada through ActionAid Nigeria, RWVL 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.
Launching the programme, the State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, noted that the initiative is a strategic investment in the future of Benue communities and a practical demonstration of the global localisation agenda.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Deacon Deborah Aber, Esq., noted that the project represents a model for inclusive, sustainable, and locally driven development cooperation.
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.
The SSG also took the opportunity to commend the Government of Canada, ActionAid Nigeria, and the implementing partners for placing confidence in indigenous organisations.
Dr Helen Teghtegh, who spoke on behalf of the implementing women’s organisations, explained that the RWVL project seeks to strengthen the leadership capacity of women.
She also noted that the project would be particularly beneficial to those in conflict-affected communities, enabling them to overcome structural barriers and actively participate in leadership, governance, peacebuilding, and development processes.
On his part, the Director General, Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), Dr Leo-Angel Viashima, observed that the launch of the project reflects the growing confidence of international development partners in indigenous institutions in the state.
He argued that the initiative validates the Bureau’s efforts to advance the localisation agenda through strategic coordination, partnership building, and strengthened collaboration between government and development partners.
In their goodwill messages, representatives of the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation (BSCPR), Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and Benue State Budget and Economic Planning Commission stressed the importance of strengthening women’s leadership.
They also stressed the importance of 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.
Other stakeholders that graced the occasion are Benue NGOs Network (BENGONET), Civil Society Organisations, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), women-led groups, traditional rulers, government officials, development partners, and the media.
According to them, their participation underscores a shared commitment to promoting gender equality, strengthening civic engagement, and creating an enabling environment where women and local institutions can thrive.
The RWVL project marks a significant milestone in expanding partnerships with the international development community.
