Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia has reiterated the commitment of his administration to empowering women and girls through education, economic opportunities, ICT, and healthcare.
“We believe that when women grow, our state will become great thus, expanding in economic fortunes. This singular act is to reciprocate the gesture that Benue Women have demonstrated over time”
The Governor made this known on Friday during the Benue All Progressive Congress, APC Women Summit and Dialogue held at the IBB Square, Makurdi.
Represented by his deputy, Barrister Sam Ode, Governor Alia said, in the 2025 budget estimates, his administration has prioritised human capital development, with a significant focus on women and children.
“As a matter of fact, the budget allocation for Social Welfare is expected to benefit various segments of the population, including youths, women and children. Similarly, our administration’s emphasis on human capital development is likely to have a positive impact on women and children through initiatives such as education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
“The administration’s commitment to food security and agricultural development will also benefit women and children, particularly in rural areas where they are mostly vulnerable”, he added.
He further noted that, his government is not unaware of the fact that, women’s participation in politics is crucial for promoting gender equality, representation, and inclusive decision-making saying women however, face challenges that deter their getting effectively involved in politics and submitted that the summit should always strive to eliminate some of the narratives so that in the nearest future, women could assert themselves and take their full pride of place in the Nation’s political scheme of affairs.
The Governor said the activities that have been lined up for the summit are pointers to the fact that women in Nigeria and indeed those in Benue have a brighter future which they must secure through a deliberate commitment.
Governor Alia also disclosed that his government has appointed women into key positions, saying “the appointments are a demonstration of our administration’s collective endeavour to respond to the yearnings and aspirations of our dear women who hold the key to unlocking tomorrow’s future. We are proud of the women who are already in our government and we will continue to do more to encourage them to support the system to grow in leaps and bounds”
Speaking during the event, APC National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile who acknowledges the role of women in nation building, calls for more women inclusion and empowerment to serve as catalyst for socio economic development of the nation.
She commended Governor Alia for the giant strides in the state and particularly for giving women the opportunity to contribute to the development of the state.
In his remark, Benue State APC Chairman, Dr Benjamin Omale emphasized the crucial roles women play in the society and urged them to sustain their support for Governor Alia and President Tinubu.
While commending the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the initiative to carry women along in the scheme of things, he expressed the commitment of both the state and federal government to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
Also speaking, the Benue State APC Women Leader, Helen Pinnen Agaigbe expressed appreciation to Governor Alia and President Tinubu for considering women for appointments in their governments and pledged on behalf of the women to always support them.
The event, with the theme, “Empowering APC Benue Women for Leadership and Nation Building” was the first of its kind in Benue State and brought women together under the auspices of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
