Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, says he would not have won the 2023 governorship election without the backing of women in the state.
Alia spoke on Saturday during the flag-off of a programme on “Enhancing gender space in politics,” held at the IBB Square in Makurdi, the state capital.
The programme was organised by the office of the national women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor said the women in the state should participate and contest in future elections, adding that he would create an enabling environment for their success.
“I thank the great women of Benue state so much because if you were not there for me, I wouldn’t be standing here as the governor of Benue state. I appreciate every one of you,” Alia said.
He said that while the state has no first lady due to his calling as a reverend father, the governor noted that all the great women in Benue are “the first ladies”.
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He asked the women to take advantage of the numerous empowerment programmes rolled out for them at both state and federal levels.
Alia urged the 23 pioneers of the 774 explode programme to work hard and select a vocation of their choice to be sponsored by the government.
The governor donated N500,000 to each of the 23 pioneers of the 774 explode programme in the state.
Mary Alile, national women leader of the APC, commended the governor for his efforts in promoting gender parity through empowerment programmes and appointments.
“Benue state government was the first to fund the 774 Explode program amongst all the APC-led states,” Alile said.
“The project 774 explode will provide young women with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the political landscape of the country.
“Mentorship will be given to them as they strive to become great politicians.”
She called for more support and empowerment for the women to boost their numbers in the governance of the country.
