International Women’s Day celebrates women whose visionary leadership, legislative impact, and unwavering commitment to community development reshape governance and inspire future generations. It honours individuals who combine political acumen with compassionate service to create lasting change in the lives of those they represent.
Honourable Lami Danladi Ogenyi is the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, representing Ado State Constituency under the All Progressives Congress. Her emergence as the first female Deputy Speaker in the history of the Benue State House of Assembly marked a historic milestone, breaking long-standing gender barriers and paving the way for greater women’s participation in legislative leadership . Nominated for the position to ensure gender equity and balance, she assumed office unopposed, reflecting the confidence her colleagues reposed in her abilities .
Her tenure has been defined by an unwavering commitment to constituency development and grassroots empowerment. Demonstrating exceptional dedication to the welfare of her people, she facilitated employment opportunities for numerous constituents within the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and secured positions at the Teaching Hospital, police, and army enlistments . In August 2025, she orchestrated a landmark free medical outreach valued at approximately eighty million naira, providing treatment to over two thousand patients, including one hundred and twenty surgical operations for hernia, appendicitis, and glaucoma, while supplying corrective glasses to more than two hundred and eighty individuals with eye impairments .
Her infrastructural footprint across Ado State Constituency is equally impressive. She has championed the renovation of six classrooms and six toilets, constructed new classroom blocks in Apa and Agila community schools, and facilitated the drilling of fifteen boreholes to improve access to clean water . Recognising the long-neglected Igumale–Agila Road abandoned for over forty-five years, she secured its reconstruction with support from the state governor, transforming a decades-old infrastructural challenge into tangible progress . Her efforts have also secured solar streetlights for ten council wards and five additional infrastructure initiatives for Ado Local Government Area .
Beyond physical infrastructure, Honourable Ogenyi has demonstrated profound commitment to human capital development. She has awarded scholarships to deserving students, distributed stipends ranging from one hundred thousand to one hundred and fifty thousand naira to women for small business support, and provided educational materials including a large generator for ICT students and sixty classroom chairs . Her legislative accomplishments include advocating for the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in Benue State, leading to its passage into law, sponsoring the bill for the establishment of the Benue State University of Science and Technology, and playing a key role in the passage of the Benue State Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill . These efforts earned her the “Best Deputy Speaker of the Year” award, solidifying her position as a champion of gender equality and social justice .
Her leadership journey has not been without challenges. In 2023, she faced an election petition alleging certificate discrepancies—a matter she contested with transparency and legal resilience. The Election Petition Tribunal ultimately affirmed her election, dismissing the petition for lacking merit and substance, and upholding her mandate . Throughout this period, she demonstrated political fortitude and a willingness to engage in due process, emerging with her mandate strengthened.
In 2024, she declined to endorse a memo supporting the creation of Apa State, drawing criticism from the Senate Minority Leader. She defended her position by citing concerns over political implications and procedural approach, demonstrating independence of thought and commitment to due diligence over popular sentiment . When a federal lawmaker made claims regarding an alleged assassination attempt, she publicly dismissed the assertions, defending her integrity and calling for proper investigative diligence—a testament to her commitment to truth and due process .
Her advocacy extends to national legislative reform. She has been a vocal proponent of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill currently before the National Assembly, championing the thirty-five percent affirmative action for women in politics . She has emphasised that the bill represents not merely legislation but a rallying point for inclusivity, democracy, and nation-building, urging the National Assembly to ensure its speedy passage to enable women with political ambitions to participate fully in electoral processes . She commends the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives for championing this cause, noting that women remain hesitant to enter politics due to systemic barriers and male dominance, and that legislative intervention is essential to correct long-standing gender imbalances .
Her selfless service and legislative excellence have earned her recognition as a shining example of the transformative power of empowering women. As Barack Obama noted, empowering women is not just the right thing to do but the smart thing to do, creating a more just and prosperous society. Honourable Ogenyi embodies this principle, demonstrating that empowered women empower communities, creating ripple effects of positive change that resonate for generations .
She is a woman of historic firsts and enduring impact.
She leads with courage, integrity, and independence.
She builds bridges between legislation and community needs.
She empowers through healthcare, education, and opportunity.
She inspires a new generation of women in governance.
In celebration of her extraordinary contributions to legislative leadership, community development, and the advancement of women in Nigerian politics, we honour Honourable Lami Danladi Ogenyi and extend warm wishes for a distinguished International Women’s Day.
Happy International Women’s Day.
