Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has expressed concern about the long-standing challenges faced by children in the state and called for collective action to address these issues.
Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Save the Benue Child’ project, aimed at combating child trafficking, Governor Alia highlighted the numerous difficulties Benue children have faced over the years, including inadequate access to quality education and healthcare.
Represented by Attorney General Fidelis Mnyim, the governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders through community outreach, engagement, and provision of support services to mitigate these challenges.
He acknowledged the harsh reality that many children in Benue are forced to endure unbearable difficulties, emphasizing the need for collective action to change this narrative.
He elaborated, “Today, we acknowledge the stark reality that many children in Benue are faced with challenges that no child should ever endure.
“From inadequate access to education, healthcare, to the harsh impacts of poverty and neglect, these young lives are at risk. But we also recognize an immense opportunity—an opportunity to effect meaningful change and to forge a path towards 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 human trafficking, child exploitation, sexual abuse, providing support services for vulnerable rescued children, prosecuting perpetrators and holding them accountable, raising awareness and sensitising communities on human trafficking and child exploitation and providing the necessary support to safeguard their well-being.”
