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The Benue State Executive Council, under the chairmanship of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has approved significant measures aimed at women empowerment, religious pilgrimage support, and the recognition of media excellence.
In a key decision announced on Friday, March 13, 2026, the council committed ₦450,000,000 (Four Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) as counterpart funding for the Nigeria Women Project, a World Bank-supported initiative sourced by the Benue State Government. The project is designed to empower women across the state through small and medium-scale enterprises, reduce poverty levels, and drive broader economic growth. The state’s contribution is expected to unlock additional funding from the World Bank, enabling full-scale implementation and direct benefits to women entrepreneurs and their communities.
The council also gave approval for the sponsorship of 81 Muslim pilgrims to Mecca this year. In line with equity and inclusivity, the government reaffirmed its commitment to provide similar sponsorship support for Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land in Jerusalem when the time for the pilgrimage arrives. This decision marks the reintroduction of state-sponsored pilgrimage programs in Benue, a practice that had been neglected by previous administrations but has now been revived under the Ali leadership.
Additionally, the Executive Council endorsed an executive order by Governor Alia renaming the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation to Dan Agbese Printing and Publishing Corporation. The renaming honors the legacy of the late Dan Agbese, a renowned Nigerian journalist and media icon widely regarded for his contributions to the country’s media landscape, ethical journalism, and professional excellence.
In its resolution, the council praised Dan Agbese’s remarkable achievements and called on young people in Benue and beyond to emulate his dedication, discipline, and belief that hard work ultimately yields lasting rewards.
These approvals reflect the Ali administration’s focus on inclusive development, gender empowerment, religious harmony, and the celebration of individuals who have made enduring impacts on society.
