Governor Alia Identifies Illiteracy and Poverty as Major Drivers of Insecurity in Nigeria

In a significant address at the Yakubu Gowon University in Abuja, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has highlighted illiteracy and poverty as key factors fueling the persistent insecurity challenges across Nigeria.

Speaking on Friday, July 10, 2026, during the university’s Quarterly Lecture Series on the theme “Insecurity and Education in Nigeria and the Quest for Development,” Governor Alia painted a sobering picture of the nation’s security landscape. He recalled the unprecedented levels of violence witnessed over the past decades, including the Boko Haram insurgency described as an attack on Western education banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and deadly herders-farmers clashes that have claimed numerous lives and destroyed property on a massive scale.

The Governor identified a broad range of drivers behind the insecurity, listing illiteracy, poverty, unemployment, inequality, weak institutions, ethno-religious tensions, poor governance, and declining social values as major contributors. He stressed that these root causes continue to undermine national stability and development.

To tackle these challenges, Governor Alia advocated for a strengthened public service and robust institutions capable of delivering essential services and supporting citizens’ needs. He emphasized that an efficient and effective public service is vital for building resilient communities, fostering economic growth, and promoting social cohesion.

“Through efficient and effective public service delivery, we can build stronger and more resilient communities, foster economic growth, and promote social cohesion,” the Governor stated.

Governor Alia placed special emphasis on education as a long-term solution to insecurity. He argued that when intentionally deployed, quality, accessible, compulsory, and functional education serves as a foundational model for addressing root causes such as illiteracy, ignorance, poverty, religious extremism, and unemployment.

“Rather than using force and media threats, quality, accessible, compulsory and functional education system fosters social cohesion, religious tolerance, and economic empowerment which are crucial for building a peaceful society,” he added.

The Governor further called for continued strengthening of Nigeria’s educational system alongside complementary constitutional reforms, including the establishment of State Police, to enhance the country’s security architecture and promote peace, good governance, and sustainable national development.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Hakeem Awehinmi, thanked Governor Alia for gracing the occasion as the first guest lecturer, describing his well-researched presentation as a valuable contribution to scholarship at the institution.

The statement was issued by Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.