The governor of Benue, Hyacinth Alia, says that he would not have won the 2023 governorship election if the women of the state didn’t back him.
The governor 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 arranged by the office of the national women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Alia also said that women in the state should engage and contest in future elections, noting 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.
The governor further said while the state has no first lady as a result of his calling as a reverend father, he noted that all the great women in Benue are “the first ladies”.
He then asked the women to take advantage of the several empowerment programmes available for them at both state and federal levels.
The Benue governor implored the 23 pioneers of the 774 explode programme to work hard and choose a vocation of their choice that would be sponsored by the state government.
He, however, donated N500,000 to each of the 23 pioneers of the 774 explode programme in the state.
While speaking, the national women leader of the APC, Mary Alile appreciated the governor for his efforts in promoting gender equality 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.”
Alile called for more support and empowerment for the women so as to boost their numbers in the governance of Nigeria.