By Palang Paul
The Plateau State Government through the Ministry of Lands, in collaboration with the Norwegian Refugee Council, has launched a sensitisation campaign in Bassa and Riyom Local Government Areas to champion women’s rights to own land, houses, and property.
Leading the delegation, the Commissioner for Lands, Barr. Peter Nyam Gai, said the time had come to amend patriarchal traditions that often deny women access to inheritance and property ownership. He revealed that the ministry is offering women free forms for land title registration as part of efforts to close the gap.
“Our patriarchal culture and traditions which often sideline women in issues related to inheritance and property ownership must be amended,” he stressed.
The initiative received strong backing from local government leaders. Bassa Council Chairman, Hon. Joshua Riti (PhD), and Riyom Chairman, Hon. Sati Bature Shuwa—represented by his deputy, Hon. Gwom Song both applauded the reform drive and pledged their support. They described the commissioner’s efforts as transformational for the ministry.
Traditional rulers also gave cultural weight to the campaign. The Gwomrei of Riyom, His Highness Da Samuel Jok, and the Ogomo Pingana of Bassa both promised to champion the initiative in their communities. The Ogomo Pingana disclosed that he had already begun implementation, acknowledging that the process feels like “swimming against the cultural tide,” but assured of unwavering commitment.
According to the ministry, the sensitisation drive is designed to build grassroots support that will pave the way for legislation guaranteeing women’s rights to own land and property in Plateau State.
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