The Edo House of Assembly on Tuesday urged the state government to intervene by initiating a public enlightenment campaign to address the increasing rate of indecent dressing among young people, particularly females, in the state.
The call followed a motion moved by the Minority Leader, Ms Natasha Osawaru, under Matters of Public Importance during plenary in Benin.
Osawaru expressed concerns over what she described as the growing exposure of sensitive parts of the body and called for greater involvement of families, schools and relevant government agencies in promoting decent dressing.
Start tomorrow informed
Save your place for the morning brief. We’ll start emailing when delivery goes live.
Free. Confirm by email. Unsubscribe anytime.
Contributing to the motion, Nicholas Asosere (Ikpoba-Okha) and the Deputy Speaker, Atu Osamwonyi, stressed the need to promote decency, self-respect and cultural values through proper guidance and public enlightenment.
However, the Majority Leader, Sunday Ojezele, called for a broader approach that would address dressing among both genders.
He cautioned against measures that could infringe on citizens’ fundamental rights and liberties.
Following the debate, Osawaru moved a further motion calling on the state government to develop a blueprint on dress codes.
She also urged the Ministries of Women Affairs and Education, professional bodies, heads of ministries and parastatals, as well as market women, to support public enlightenment and monitoring efforts.
The motion was seconded by Eric Okaka, while the Speaker, Yekini Idaiye, directed that it be forwarded to the appropriate authority.
In another development, the house observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Mr. Andrew Egbadon.
The tribute was led by Maria Edeko (Esan North-East II), who highlighted his contributions to the constituency.
The house also listed three bills for consideration on a later date.
They are: “a bill to establish the Edo State Agency for Education Quality and Accountability; a bill to repeal the Edo State Traditional Medicine Board Law of 1986 and enact a new law; and a bill to repeal the Edo State Road Funds Board Law, 2025, and establish the Edo State Roads Fund and Board for the funding, management, rehabilitation, construction and maintenance of roads across the state.
The house subsequently adjourned plenary to Monday, Nov. 16.
Discussion0