Gov Hyacinth Alia awards scholarships to children of the fallen heroes and funds widows’ businesses, as he marks Nigerian 65th Independence Anniversary.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has awarded scholarships to children of fallen security operatives and pledged to empower their widows with small businesses as part of activities marking Nigerian 65th Independence Anniversary.
The announcement was made during a luncheon for families of fallen heroes held at the New Banquet Hall of the Government House in Makurdi. Governor Alia said the initiative was aimed at honoring the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for peace and security in Benue State and across Nigeria.
“For every uniform lost, there is a family left behind,” the governor said. “We will ensure that their children are educated and their widows supported to rebuild their lives.”
The gesture builds on earlier actions by the governor to recognize security operatives who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. In September, Alia donated ₦380 million to families of 76 slain officers across the police, military, Civil Defense, and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards—each family receiving ₦5 million in direct assistance.
Governor Alia’s approach has been widely seen as blending empathy with reform-driven governance. Since assuming office in 2023, he has positioned security as a cornerstone of his administration, pairing welfare initiatives for officers with investments in education, healthcare, and agriculture to address the roots of insecurity.
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“Security cannot thrive where poverty, unemployment, and despair dominate,” Alia said, emphasizing that peace requires both moral and material investment. His government has since renovated over 350 schools, hired 9,000 teachers, and expanded access to clean water and healthcare as part of a broader recovery agenda.
During the Independence Day event, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to supporting serving officers and their families. “For those still in service, you remain the shield of our sovereignty,” he said. “Your courage inspires the rest of us to keep building a safer Benue.”
Alia also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and federal security chiefs for their collaboration in strengthening Benue’s security architecture, noting that inter-agency cooperation has been critical to maintaining stability.
For many in attendance, the governor’s message resonated deeply. “When a leader stands with us, we know we are not forgotten,” one Civil Defense officer said.
Governor Alia’s blend of compassion, faith, and pragmatic leadership continues to redefine public service in Benue—turning empathy into action and promises into tangible progress.
