Benue gov decries challenges confronting children

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has decried the challenges confronting Benue children over the years and called for a joint effort to change the narrative.

The governor stated this on Friday while inaugurating the State Steering Committee on the ‘Save the Benue Child’ project.

Alia, who was represented by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim, lamented that the Benue child had over the years faced issues of lack of quality education, and healthcare amongst others.

He said that his administration aimed to use the project to collaborate with all stakeholders, through community outreach and engagement, and the provision of support services.

He said, “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, and healthcare, to the harsh impacts of crisis 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.

“Government will join forces with local communities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to ensure that the efforts are both impactful and sustainable.

In her remarks, the Zonal Coordinator, of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Mrs Gloria Bai, called on all stakeholders to help save the future of the Benue child.

Bai and the state attorney general, are co-chairman  of “Benue Taskforce on Human Trafficking”

The NAPTIP Commander said the number of human traffic incidents in the state was on the increase.

Earlier, Mrs Mabel Ade, Executive Director, Adinya Arise Foundation said the event was a pivotal moment in the state’s collective fight against human trafficking.