Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has hailed women as the foundation of life and society, emphasizing the need to prioritize the education and empowerment of the girl child. Speaking during the celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, Governor Alia described education as the most powerful tool to combat oppression and societal relegation of women.
In his address on Saturday, Governor Alia underscored the indispensable role women play in the development of communities, economies, and families. He warned that without women, societies would weaken, economies would suffer, and families would lose 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 direction,” the governor stated.
Governor Alia highlighted the significant contributions of Benue women across various sectors, including agriculture, trade, education, healthcare, and governance. He urged men to respect and support women, stressing that gender equality is essential for societal progress.
The governor also commended the theme of this year’s IWD celebration, “Advance Action,” calling it timely and urging stakeholders to accelerate efforts toward achieving gender equality. He expressed concern over the persistent challenges faced by women, including denial of education, early marriage, and harmful cultural practices.
“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,” Governor Alia explained.
The governor revealed that his administration has prioritized women’s empowerment, with a significant number of female appointees playing key decision-making roles in governance. He also announced that the 2025 state budget includes provisions for grants and soft loans to women through cooperative groups, aimed at supporting trade, agriculture, petty businesses, and other income-generating ventures.
Governor Alia called on all stakeholders to advocate for women’s rights and invest in their education and empowerment. “This is not just a moral duty; it is an investment in a brighter and more prosperous future,” he said.
The governor’s message resonated with the global call to action on International Women’s Day, as Benue State joined the world in celebrating the achievements of women and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable society.