The Benue State Executive Council has sanctioned N450 million as counterpart financing for the Nigeria Women Project, a World Bank-supported endeavor aimed at empowering women and enhancing small- and medium-sized enterprises throughout the state.
This resolution was made during the State Executive Council assembly presided over by Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi.
As stated by the state administration, the funding will permit Benue to obtain supplementary financial assistance from the World Bank to execute initiatives intended to alleviate poverty among women and fortify economic prospects via entrepreneurship.
Clarifying the resolution, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev, indicated that the project was initiated by the Benue State Government as part of its dedication to enhancing the livelihoods of women and stimulating economic progress.
“The initiative aims to empower women through small and medium-sized businesses, aiding in the reduction of poverty and enhancing their economic involvement,” he remarked.
The council also sanctioned the sponsorship of 81 Muslim pilgrims to the Holy Land in Mecca for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
Iorpev revealed that the state government would provide similar assistance to Christian pilgrims when the Jerusalem pilgrimage season commences later this year.
He characterized the action as a revival of a practice that had been overlooked by earlier administrations.
In a related matter, the council approved an executive directive by the governor to rename the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation as the Dan Agbese Printing and Publishing Corporation, in tribute to the late distinguished journalist.
The council recognized Agbese’s contributions to Nigeria’s media sector and encouraged young individuals to emulate his commitment and dedication to excellence.
