Governor Benue decries challenges facing children

The Governor of Benue State, Pastor Hyacinth Alia, has criticised the challenges children in Benue have been facing for years and called for a concerted effort to change the narrative.

The governor stated this on Friday during the inauguration of the state steering committee for the ‘Save the Benue Child’ project.

Alia, who was represented by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim, lamented that the child from Benue had for years faced challenges such as lack of quality education and health care.

He said his administration wanted to use the project to work with all stakeholders, through community education and engagement and the provision of support services.

He said: “Today we recognise the stark reality that many children in Benue face challenges that no child should ever have to endure. From inadequate access to education and healthcare to the harsh effects of crisis poverty and neglect, these young lives are at risk. But we also recognise an immense opportunity: an opportunity to create meaningful change and forge a path to hope and opportunity.

“The Save the Benue Child project is not just a response to these challenges; it is also a commitment to action. Our goal is to create a comprehensive support system that addresses the needs of these children holistically.

“We will focus on improving access to quality education, ensuring health and nutrition, identifying and rescuing child victims of trafficking, child exploitation and sexual abuse, providing support services to vulnerable rescued children, prosecuting perpetrators and holding them accountable, raising awareness and sensitizing communities about trafficking and child exploitation and providing the necessary support to ensure their well-being.

“The government will work with local communities, government agencies and non-governmental organizations to ensure that efforts are both impactful and sustainable.

In her speech, the Zonal Coordinator of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Mrs. Gloria Bai, called on all stakeholders to help save the future of the child in Benue.

Bai and the state Attorney General are co-chairs of the “Benue Taskforce on Human Trafficking”

The NAPTIP commander said the number of traffic incidents in the state is increasing.

Earlier, Ms Mabel Ade, Director of the Adinya Arise Foundation, said the event marked a pivotal moment in the state’s collective fight against human trafficking.