Beni Lar
Beni Lar is a politician of the People's Democratic Party from Plateau State, Nigeria.
Biography and career
She is the eldest daughter of Solomon Lar, a former Governor of Plateau State and Prof. Mary Lar. She says,
“My father taught me that there is no difference between a male and a female (child). He taught me to be hard-working; so, I trained as a lawyer just like him.[1]
She has "urged Nigerians not to forget her father’s legacy of unity, peace and love, adding, 'This is what we need to promote this nation'."[2]
In 2007, she was elected to the House of Representatives.[3] As of July 2014[update], she represents the Langtang North and South constituency. She serves as Chairman of the House of Representatives' Committee on Human Rights.[4][5]
She has supported emergency funding for the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP),[6] increased penalties for child abuse [7] and the creation of a National Child Protection and Enforcement Agency.[8] In 2010, she participated in The GlobalPOWER® Women Network in Africa: Women Parliamentarians and Ministers United Against HIV/AIDS.[9]
After 2013 attacks by herdsmen in Langtang South left seventy people dead, she urged the Nigerian Federal government to improve the conditions of local roads, so as to make it possible for security forces to arrive in a timely manner.[10] She has also called for the creation of grazing reserves for Fulani herdsmen, saying:
“All who eat meat should be considerate enough to let go of their land for the source of the meat. Nigeria is blessed with enough land for everybody, and Nigerians should be gracious enough to recognize that the meat that the herdsman provides is for the community”.
In May 2014, she led a group of protesters from Nigerians United Against Terrorism, wearing t-shirts "with the inscription "#ReleaseOurGirls."", showing solidarity with the Nigerian military in its efforts rescue the victims of the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping.[11] One news source reports that some rally attendees received government funding.[12][13]
Quote
"“We must say things that will cause the country to grow.”[14]
See also
References
- ^ "The pillar of my life is gone, says Beni Lar". Vanguard News. 16 October 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
- ^ "Eight Months Later, Mrs Jonathan Promises To Stand By Lar's Widow". Information Nigeria. 24 June 2014. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
- ^ "Nigerian Women who will shape Seventh National Assembly". Nigeria Daily News. 6 July 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
- ^ Hamza Idris; Yahaya Ibrahim (15 July 2014). "Nigeria: 38 Killed As Boko Haram Attacks Borno Village". Daily Trust – AllAfrica. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
- ^ Murdock, Heather (28 April 2014). "Abuja Blast Impacts Lives, Livelihoods". Voice of America. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
- ^ "House committee seeks emergency funds for NAPTIP". P.M. NEWS Nigeria. 11 May 2014. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
- ^ "House C'ttee on Health calls for amendment of law on child abuse". Radio Nigeria: News. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
- ^ "Establish Child Protection, Enforcement agency- Lar – Vanguard News". Vanguard News. 18 May 2014. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
- ^ "The GlobalPOWER® Women Network in Africa: Women Parliamentarians and Ministers United Against HIV/AIDS". Center for Women Policy Studies. 3 November 2010. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
- ^ Uzondu, James. "Another Crimson River on the Plateau". Nigeria News World Magazine. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
- ^ Mutim, Ronald; Isiaka Wakili (27 May 2014). "Nigeria: We Know Girls' Location, Says Defence Chief". Daily Trust - allAfrica.com. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
- ^ "PHOTONEWS: Fake #BringBackOurGirls Protesters Surface In Abuja". Sahara Reporters. 26 May 2014. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
- ^ "Corruption stalls Nigeria's war against B'Haram – US". 23 May 2014. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
- ^ "Democracy Day: No reason to celebrate – Gbajabiamila … We have a lot to celebrate – Beni Lar". The Nigerian Times. 30 May 2014. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
External links
- Interview with Beni Lar about human rights in Nigeria, from The Punch
- Dreams for Nigeria, documentary about seven female Nigerian parliamentarians, including Beni Lar