~Emphasizes the Need to Educate the Girl Child
As the world marks International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has described women as the cradle of life and society, calling for concerted efforts to ensure the education of the girl child as a powerful tool against oppression and relegation.
Speaking on Saturday, March 8, during the IWD celebration, Governor Alia highlighted the vital contributions of women in all spheres of life, noting that without their active participation, communities would weaken, the economy would suffer, and families would struggle for direction.
“Here in Benue, our women are not just mothers in the genuine sense of the word; they are farmers, traders, lawmakers, teachers, specialists, and policymakers. Without their contributions, our economy would stall, our communities would weaken, and our families would forever be searching for a direction,” he stated.
The governor emphasized the significance of this year’s IWD theme, “Advance Action,” urging stakeholders to accelerate efforts toward gender equality. He decried the slow progress in improving the status of women and called for urgent measures to empower them, particularly in education.
“Despite their invaluable role, many women still struggle in the regressive waters of inequality. Some are denied education, others are forced into early marriage, and too many still bear the weight of harmful cultural practices. We must, therefore, speed up action to change this narrative,” he stated.
Governor Alia reassured women of his administration’s commitment to their empowerment, highlighting the inclusion of many women in decision-making positions in his government. He also revealed that the 2025 state budget prioritizes women’s empowerment programs, with grants and soft loans to be provided through cooperative groups to support trade, agriculture, and other income-generating ventures.
While calling for collective action to dismantle barriers hindering women’s progress, the governor reiterated the need for investment in women’s education and overall empowerment.
“This is not just a moral duty; it is an investment in a brighter and more prosperous future,” he affirmed.
As Benue State joins the global community in celebrating women, Governor Alia’s message serves as a clarion call to prioritize the education and empowerment of women for the benefit of society at large.
