The Benue State Government, under Governor Hyacinth Alia, has approved ₦450 million as counterpart funding for a women’s project aimed at empowering women through small and medium-scale enterprises across the state.
This decision was made during the state’s executive council meeting on Friday, March 13, 2026, as part of its broader efforts to drive economic growth and alleviate poverty among women.
Chief Solomon Iorpev, the governor’s technical adviser on media, publicity, and strategic communication, described the initiative as a World Bank-supported programme secured by the state government to enhance women’s participation in business. “The counterpart funding will unlock additional resources from the World Bank for seamless implementation,” Iorpev stated.
Furthermore, the government approved sponsorship for 81 Muslim pilgrims from Benue to undertake the Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Similar support will be extended to Christian pilgrims for the upcoming pilgrimage to Jerusalem, reflecting the Alia administration’s renewed commitment to pilgrim welfare—an area that had seen reduced attention under previous administrations.
The meeting also ratified Governor Alia’s executive order to rename the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation as the Dan Agbese Printing and Publishing Corporation, honouring the esteemed journalist’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s media landscape.
The government praised Agbese’s legacy of dedication and excellence, encouraging the youth to emulate his success through hard work.
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