John Charles
The Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has decried the challenges confronting Benue child over the years and called for joint efforts to change the narrative.
The governor stated this on Friday while inaugurating the State Steering Committee of ‘Save the Benue Child’ project to mitigate child trafficking in the state.
Governor 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, healthcare amongst others.
He said that his administration aimed to use the project to collaborate with all stakeholders, through community outreach and engagement, 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, healthcare, to the harsh impacts of 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.”
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