Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has urged children across the state to reject violence, cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime and other vices that threaten their future and undermine social stability.
Speaking on Wednesday, during the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration at IBB Square in Makurdi, the governor said young people must embrace discipline, hard work, honesty, patriotism and excellence as they prepare for adulthood. The event held under the theme “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, Alia described children as the hope of Nigeria’s future and cautioned that vices such as thuggery, bullying and cybercrime erode destinies, weaken communities and worsen insecurity.
“No temporary gain is worth sacrificing your dreams, your dignity, your freedom, or your future,” he told the gathering. “Focus on your education and talents. Use technology responsibly and commit yourselves to values that promote peace, unity and progress.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a Benue where every child can “dream boldly, grow safely, learn freely and succeed honourably.” He stressed that inclusion should underpin national development, ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, protection, nutrition and opportunity for children in urban and rural areas, IDP camps, and those living with disabilities.
Alia noted that Benue had strengthened child protection by domesticating the Child Rights Act of 2003 into the Benue State Child Rights Law of 2008. He praised the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs. Theresa Odachi Ikwue, and her ministry for prioritizing the welfare of children, women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
He also called on parents, guardians, teachers, caregivers, traditional and faith leaders, and development partners to nurture children with love, discipline, integrity and moral guidance.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Martha Edor, who stood in for the commissioner, said Children’s Day should remind society of its duty to nurture, protect, educate and empower children.
She said the Alia administration remained committed to policies that promote child protection, quality education, healthcare, social inclusion and women’s empowerment, noting that ongoing interventions with development partners were improving the wellbeing of vulnerable children statewide.
Edor urged the children to remain disciplined and focused, and to avoid influences that could derail their future.
