The Benue State Executive Council has approved N450 million as counterpart funding for the Nigeria Women Project, a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at empowering women and boosting small- and medium-scale businesses across the state.
The decision was taken during the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi.
According to the state government, the funding will enable Benue to access additional financial support from the World Bank to implement programmes designed to reduce poverty among women and strengthen economic opportunities through entrepreneurship.
Explaining the decision, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev, said the project was sourced by the Benue State Government as part of its commitment to improving the livelihoods of women and stimulating economic growth.
“The project is designed to empower women through small and medium-scale enterprises, helping to alleviate poverty and improve their economic participation,” he said.
The council also approved the sponsorship of 81 Muslim pilgrims to the Holy Land in Mecca for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
Iorpev disclosed that the state government would extend similar support to Christian pilgrims when the Jerusalem pilgrimage season begins later in the year.
He described the move as the revival of a practice that had been neglected by previous administrations.
In a related development, the council approved an executive order by the governor renaming the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation as the Dan Agbese Printing and Publishing Corporation, in honour of the late renowned journalist.
The council commended Agbese’s contributions to Nigeria’s media industry and urged young people to emulate his dedication and commitment to excellence.
Benue approves N450m for women’s economic empowerment initiative
Benue approves N450m for women’s economic empowerment initiative
