Benue State Government Launches Investment Programme for Women with World Bank Support
Paul Akunda | Vandeikya
16th January, 2026
The Benue State Government, with the support of the World Bank, has launched a women’s investment initiative—the “Nigeria for Women Program Scale-up Project” (NFWP-SU)—through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare. The implementation flag-off ceremony was held on January 16, 2026, at the Vandeikya Local Government Council Headquarters Secretariat in Benue State.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs. Theresa Odachi Ikwue, expressed profound appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for embracing the initiative and supporting Benue women through empowerment programmes aimed at scaling up their businesses and livelihoods across the state.
She stated that Governor Alia not only ensures the constant payment of workers’ salaries but also thinks positively and differently about Benue women, noting that the state is at the forefront and still accelerating toward the peak in terms of empowerment.
Hon. Mrs. Ikwue described the programme as a major investment and strategic intervention designed to improve the socio-economic well-being of women and strengthen their contributions to rural and urban development.
She encouraged the people of Vandeikya to key into the initiative, explaining that the local government was chosen on merit due to its peaceful security environment and the programme’s focus on women—characteristics she noted are emblematic of Vandeikya. From statistical measures, she said, Vandeikya has met the criteria and is sure to produce the required number of women for the project without delay.
She added that men willing to participate may also apply, noting that selection is based on merit and qualification, not gender alone. To illustrate, she cited Governor Alia’s approach: despite belonging to the APC, he does not limit his assistance to party members. “Father Alia is for every Benue person,” she said.
The Honourable Commissioner also extended gratitude to the Executive Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government Area, Hon. Dennis Terkura Guda, for warmly receiving the ministry and project team partners, as well as for their eagerness to participate.
In his welcome address, the representative of the Local Government Chairman, the Council Secretary Hon. George Igbudu, relayed the chairman’s appreciation to His Excellency for prioritising women, and to the Honourable Commissioner for selecting the local government to host the programme’s kick-off.
He assured the delegation of the councillors’ full support and commitment to the initiative’s success.
Speaking earlier, representatives of the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-up Project—the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Advisor, Mr. Jeff Oluwagbemiga; the Secretary, Mr. Olajide Afolabi; and M&E Member, Mr. Yusuf Abdullahi—outlined the programme’s aims and objectives. They explained that the initiative is tailored to enhance women’s economic opportunities, scale up financial inclusion, and strengthen women-led enterprises. They urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity.
In separate remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Martha Edor, and the Director of Women, Mrs. Magdalene Andor, highlighted the value women stand to gain from the programme. They noted that housing the programme within the Ministry of Women Affairs assures its sustainability and called on the women of Vandeikya to embrace the opportunity wholeheartedly.
The initiative is geared toward empowering women, strengthening community development economically, and furthering the Benue State Government’s commitment to inclusive growth and social welfare.
Participants were advised to follow the Terms of Reference (TOR) in the published print and online via Website womenaffairs.benuestate.gov.ng advertisements for suitable applications, pending screening and interviews by programme officials.