By Isaac Uzaan
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia has called on Benue women to take advantage of the Renewed Hope Initiative brought about by the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, and improve their lives and families.
Governor Alia made the call Saturday, June 29, 2024, at IBB Square, Makurdi during the official flag-off of Project 774 Explode, an empowerment initiative from the office of the Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Hon. Dr. Mary Idele Alile.
The Governor acknowledged the role of women in the election that brought him on board as Governor of Benue State, assuring that his administration will continue to promote gender-sensitive reforms that will facilitate women’s direct engagement in decision-making in the state.
He appreciated the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen Oluremi Tinubu for her continued support, pointing out 50 Benue citizens who are on scholarship, food palliative, and many other assistants she has so far given to Benue State through her Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Governor also expressed profound gratitude to the national woman Leader of APC, Mary Idele Alile for choosing Benue State as a suitable destination to flag off her 774 Explode Project.
Governor Alia, who said Benue women will continue to queue into the policies and ideologies of President Tinubu’s administration, also added his voice to the call by the National Woman leader of APC for Benue women to come out and contest for political positions in the next elections.
He offered 23 selected women one for each Local Government Area free skills acquisition training in any field of their choice and promised to give each a grant of five hundred thousand Naira to start a business, even as he said his administration was conscious of the 774 Explode initiative and that he would continue to support programs that will empower women in the state.
In her address, the APC National Woman leader, Dr. Mary Idele Alile acknowledged the visionary leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia, describing him as a champion of transformation.
She outlined the benefits of 774 Explode to women in Nigeria, thanking Benue women for turning out en masse to embrace the program.
In his keynote address, Hon. Denis Dzawua enlightened women on gender inclusiveness in politics and called on Benue women to come out and participate in the forthcoming local government elections.
The Special Advisor to the Governor on Women Affairs, Hon. Scholastica Ben-sor, said in her welcome address that their huge presence at the occasion was a sign that Benue Women were all out to embrace the initiative of the APC National Woman leader.
The State Acting Chairman of APC, Hon. Benjamin Omakolo while delivering his goodwill message said Benue APC under the leadership of Governor Alia is very proud of the good work that President Tinubu is doing and they are solidly behind him.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Ann Itoto represented by Eunice Tachia, the wife of the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Christie Ode, and wife of Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Cynthia Kundumyol Dajoh were amongst those who also delivered their goodwill messages at the event.
