IWD 2025: Gov. Alia drums support for girl-child education to addres inequalities
Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has described women as the cradle of life and society, calling on all stakeholders to ensure educating the girl child, to curtail their oppression.
He emphasised that every child, regardless of gender or background, should have access to quality education.
“This is not just a moral duty; it is an investment in a brighter and more prosperous future,” the governor said on Saturday, in a statement to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD).
He described the contributions of women as vital, stating that without the women, communities would weaken, the economy would suffer and families would forever be searching for a direction.
Governor Alia, who stressed the key roles played by Benue women in the areas of farming, trade, lawmaking, teaching, policymaking, as physicians and nurses etc., called on the male folks never to look down on the women.
“Here in Benue, our women are not just mothers in the genuine sense of the world; 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 described this year’s theme of the celebration, which is “Advance Action,” as timely, urging all stakeholders to speed up actions aimed at achieving gender equality, addressing the slow pace of progress among women, thereby empowering them and the girl child.
“Despite their invaluable role, very many women still struggle in the regressive waters of inequality. Some are denied education, they force others into early marriage, and overly many still bear the weight of harmful cultural practices. We must therefore speed up action to change this narrative”, Alia said.
The governor described his administration as one favourable to women with key appointments for women to participate in decision-making and governance.
According to him, priority has been given to the empowerment of women in the 2025 budget, with grants and soft loans to be offered to women through cooperative groups to engage in trade, agriculture, petty-businesses and other ventures to improve their socio-economic status.
While calling on all to raise their voices for the women who cannot speak and to help push aside barriers that hold women down, the Governor emphasized the need to invest in education and empowerment to uplift women.
