Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by Henry Owen
Makurdi – In a heartwarming display of compassion and civic responsibility, the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, marked Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary by reaching out to orphans and vulnerable children across the state. The initiative, which saw donations of food, essential supplies, and livestock, underscores the administration’s commitment to inclusive celebrations that extend beyond Makurdi, reaching those often left on the margins of society.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of Internal Affairs and Special Services, Mr. Paul Okoh, the governor’s goodwill reached the Children of Mary Orphanage and Motherless Baby Home in Otukpo Local Government Area and the NKST Orphanage in Mkar, Gboko Local Government Area. The donations included bags of rice, cartons of noodles and biscuits, sanitary pads, diapers, baby wipes, body creams, clothing, footwear, and a cow for each facility — a symbolic and practical support aimed at enhancing the daily lives of the children.
Speaking at the events, Mr. Okoh emphasized that the gesture reflected the governor’s deep empathy for the less privileged. “We are here at the instance of the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. Last year, we brought modest assistance, and I promised that by the special grace of God, we would return in a greater dimension. Today, that promise has been fulfilled,” he said.
Mr. Okoh further stressed that Governor Alia’s vision of governance includes listening to the people and responding to their needs, ensuring that Independence Day celebrations do not merely focus on pomp and ceremony in the state capital but extend to communities often overlooked. “It gives us joy to support the good work you are doing in the lives of the motherless, fatherless, and defenseless. The governor sees your efforts and understands your challenges, which is why he has sent us to support you,” he added, urging the beneficiaries to continue praying for the administration’s success.
Reactions from the orphanages were equally poignant. At the Children of Mary Orphanage and Motherless Baby Home, Matron Rosemary Oganyi expressed profound gratitude, describing the governor’s intervention as uplifting and morale-boosting for both staff and children. While appreciative, she also highlighted a pressing infrastructural challenge, calling for assistance in repairing the road linking the orphanage to the main thoroughfare, a concern that affects access to the facility and delivery of essential goods.
At the NKST Orphanage in Mkar, Pastor Nongo Terlanga, Director of the NKST Humanitarian Foundation, lauded the governor’s consistency in supporting vulnerable children. He cited prior interventions, including the construction of a classroom block, the provision of a borehole with an overhead tank, and the approval for a clinic at the orphanage. “We are seeing results already from this administration — in infrastructure, governance, and support to the less privileged. Each time you come, you come in a bigger way. We are grateful, and we remain prayerful for this government,” Pastor Terlanga said, while also appealing for the renovation of hostels and improved toilet facilities.
Social commentators and development experts note that Governor Alia’s initiative represents more than symbolic philanthropy. Dr. Chinedu Okeke, a social policy analyst, explained, “Targeted interventions like this have measurable social impact. Providing essential food, healthcare items, and educational support directly improves the quality of life for vulnerable children. It also reinforces a culture of care and inclusion in governance, demonstrating that national celebrations can be extended to meaningful social service.”
Public reaction on social media and within local communities has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents praised the governor for recognizing the needs of the downtrodden and ensuring that Independence Day celebrations reflect compassion alongside national pride. Many highlighted that initiatives such as this inspire broader community participation, foster hope, and reinforce the link between leadership and societal responsibility.
The governor’s approach aligns with growing global recognition that sustainable governance involves both infrastructural development and social welfare interventions. By prioritizing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children, the administration sends a message that governance is not only about policy and projects but also about empathy, dignity, and tangible support for the less privileged.
Mr. Okoh, accompanied by the Director of Special Services, Mr. Shim Peter, and other bureau staff, assured the orphanages that Governor Alia’s commitment to vulnerable groups is ongoing and will extend to more homes across the state. Observers note that such interventions also build community trust and enhance the social capital necessary for cohesive state development.
As Benue State celebrates national independence, the governor’s outreach demonstrates a model of leadership that blends celebration with service, ensuring that even the most marginalized feel the impact of state initiatives. For the children and staff of the orphanages, the gesture is more than a gift; it is a reminder that they are seen, valued, and supported in the state’s journey toward progress and unity.
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