By James Moses (9News Nigeria -Jos)
Governor of Benue State, Rev.Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has applauded women for their massive support during the 2023 polls that led to his election as Governor.
Governor Alia made this remarks at IBB Square in Makurdi during the official launch of Project 774 Explode, an empowerment initiative from the office of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader, Dr Mary Idele Alile.
The Governor acknowledged the critical role women played in his election, assuring that his administration will continue to promote gender-sensitive reforms to facilitate women’s direct engagement in decision making in the state.
He called on women in the state to 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 stated.
The Governor, in a light-hearted moment, commented on his status as a Reverend Father without a First Lady, saying:
“For the record, all the great women of Benue State are the First Ladies of Benue State. That is why, under the leadership of the wife of the Deputy Governor, everything is working so well”.
He emphasised that Benue women will continue to support the policies and ideologies of President Tinubu’s administration, as he also highlighted the call by the APC National Women Leader for Benue women to contest political positions in the next general elections.
In her address, Dr Mary Idele Alile praised Governor Alia’s visionary leadership, describing him as a champion of transformation.
Rev. Fr. Alia, a Catholic cleric and politician, has been a serving Governor of Benue State since May 29, 2023 under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).
-9News Nigeria.
