The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has awarded scholarship to fifty-three children of fourteen families security personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, particularly due to insurgent attacks while serving in Benue State.
Speaking during the scholarship disbursement ceremony which held Thursday at Government College Makurdi, Governor Alia described the sacrifices of the fallen heroes as a testament that peace is expensive.
He emphasized that their sacrifices mean a lot to the Government and people of the State adding that although they cannot be replaced, their efforts must not be in vain.
Governor Alia announced his resolve to sponsor the children of the fallen heroes in school, regardless of whether they are Benue citizens or not, as long as they served in the state.
He urged the people to see security personnel as partners against crime and called for support in their service to the nation.
The Governor also acknowledged the patriotism of the fallen heroes, saying their sacrifices portrays their commitment to protecting the sovereignty of the nation and assured their widows that he had also provided funds to support them in starting small businesses, which would be disbursed upon profiling.
He further expressed appreciation to the wives and children of the fallen Heroes and urged them to always look up to God who has solutions to all their problems and also prayed to God to guide them to the path of progress and prosperity.
Relatedly, apart from the children of the fallen heroes, Governor Alia also awarded scholarships to twenty three students of Notre Dame Secondary School, Mkar, in recognition of their outstanding performance in extra-curricular activities, with the award covering their tuition and external examination fees.
He encouraged the students to remain disciplined, work hard, and continue to develop their talents so they could become responsible citizens who would contribute positively to society.
Earlier in her remarks, the State Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu, commended the Governor for his commitment to education and support for families of fallen heroes.
On their part, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, who was represented by DCP Administration, Yakubu Mohammed, together with the Director-General, Bureau of Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (Rtd.) described the gesture as a beacon of hope for the beneficiaries.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, one of the widows, Mrs. Patience Edmond, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the support, while the Principal of Notre Dame Secondary School, Mkar, Reverend Sister Stella Anyanwu, also thanked the state government and assured that the students would continue to make the state proud.
