IWD 2025: Gov Alia describes women as cradle of life and society … Harps on education of girl child

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has described women as the cradle of life and society, with a call on all stakeholders to ensure the education of the girl child.

The governor stated this on Saturday, March 8th, 2025, on the occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration, said education is the most powerful weapon against oppression and relegation.

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 called on the male folks never to look down on the women.

He said “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.

Governor Alia lamented that
“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.”

The Governor said his administration is one that is favourable to the women, considering the number of women appointees who are not just participants but decision-makers in governance.

He noted that priority has been handed out to empowerment programmes for the women in the 2025 budget of the State, adding that grants and soft loans will be offered to the women through their cooperative groups, to kick-start trade, agriculture, petty-businesses and several other ventures capable of improving their per person income and self-reliance.

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 on the need to invest in the education, empowerment and uplifting of women, insisting 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,” he added.