FIC Report (Benue State) – Benue women joined their counterparts across the world today, 8th March 2025, to celebrate International Women’s Day. The celebration commenced with a solidarity walk from the State Secretariat to the Pauline Makka Centre, Makurdi.
The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Anna Itodo, emphasized that International Women’s Day is a unique occasion to reflect on global trends, achievements, and challenges in advancing women’s empowerment. She highlighted the need for accelerated efforts in implementing various commitments to women’s development.
She further noted that this year marks Beijing+30, a significant milestone aimed at assessing the challenges affecting women’s empowerment and evaluating progress toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The theme for this year’s celebration, “Accelerate Action,” calls for a renewed commitment to advancing gender equality. It is a day to celebrate women’s achievements, acknowledge progress made, and advocate for more decisive actions to address existing gaps.
Mrs. Itodo commended the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his dedication to promoting women’s empowerment and development in the state. She urged all stakeholders to recognize that gender equality is not just a women’s issue but a fundamental human rights issue.
“As we mark this important day, let us continue to break barriers, address challenges, and create opportunities for women and girls. This celebration should serve as a renewed commitment to building a society where everyone has equal opportunities,” she stated.
In a goodwill message, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Benue State Chapter, Mrs. Elizabeth Achagh, congratulated Benue women for their resilience in striving for greater inclusion in state affairs. She also commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for appointing and empowering women within his administration.
She encouraged Benue women to engage with women journalists in the state whenever they need their voices amplified on critical issues affecting them.
Signed
Veronica Azemba
For Head of Centre, Federal Information Centre, Makurdi
