BREAKING NEWS: Kogi Assembly Vows to End Gender-Based Violence and Child Labor in Mining Industries

Lokoja – In a groundbreaking move, the Kogi Assembly has pledged to put an end to all forms of gender-based violence and child labor in mining industries across the state. Mrs Comfort Egwaba, the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, made the announcement during the inauguration of the committee at the assembly chambers in Lokoja.

Egwaba strongly condemned the “callous” and “unacceptable” situation where citizens, particularly children, were subjected to violence and labor at mining sites. The committee learned about this grave issue through Mrs Janet Adeyemi, the President of Women Miners Association, during their research validation and policy dialogue.

In response to this disturbing revelation, Egwaba urged the state women affairs ministry to promptly provide her committee with information on such cases during their oversight functions. “In view of this development, we hereby warn miners engaging in these inhuman acts to immediately cease their actions or face the full force of the law,” she declared.

Egwaba applauded Governor Yahaya Bello for his commitment to gender equality in government, which has resulted in the engagement of more women than ever before. She called upon women to complement the governor’s efforts by providing results-oriented services.

Furthermore, the legislator encouraged women to support the APC (All Progressives Congress) in its quest to achieve its goals for women, People with Disabilities (PWDs), and the entire population of the state.

The newly formed House Committee on Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation consists of Vice-Chairman Asema Haruna (Adavi constituency), as well as members Mr Aliyu Maikudi, Mr Omotayo Ishaya, Mr Sunday Daku, Mr Usman Adejoh, Mr Orokiti Zakariya, Mr Akus Lawal, and Mr Abu Jibril. Yahaya Barakat will serve as the Clerk of the committee.

This resolution by the Kogi Assembly is a critical step towards safeguarding the rights and well-being of citizens, particularly women and children, and ensuring that they enjoy the benefits of democracy without enduring pain and sorrow. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.