Benue women turn out in thousands as former minister combines birthday celebration with humanitarian outreach and discussions on 2027 elections
Thousands of women across Benue State have turned out to welcome Dr Betta Edu as she celebrated her 40th birthday with activities centred on humanitarian support, women’s empowerment and political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The women received Edu with songs, dancing and cheers from the airport to the venue of a strategic town hall meeting organised for women stakeholders across the state.
Edu, Co-Director of the APC Presidential Campaign Council Women Mobilisation Directorate, was welcomed by Hon. Scholastica Ben-Sor, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady Designate in Benue State, alongside a large gathering of women supporters.
The delegation later visited the Government House before joining women leaders and government officials at the town hall meeting.
Top Benue Government Officials Attend
The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Sam Ode, representing Governor Hyacinth Alia; Secretary to the State Government Deborah Aber; Commissioner for Special Duties Hon. Elizabeth Ogenyi; Commissioner for Women Affairs; other female commissioners; women holding public offices; female local government vice chairpersons; and wives of local government chairmen.
The gathering provided a platform for discussions on women’s participation, community engagement and preparations for the next general elections.
Ode Praises Birthday Visit to Displaced Persons
Representing Governor Alia, Ode commended Edu for dedicating part of her birthday activities to internally displaced persons in Benue State.
He described her as a consistent supporter of vulnerable people and thanked her for maintaining ties with communities affected by displacement.
Ode also made a political declaration concerning the 2027 elections, saying Benue would deliver more than one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Edu Calls for Ward-Level Mobilisation
Edu expressed gratitude to the women for their reception and commended their support for Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Governor Alia.
She urged women to take their engagement to the grassroots by visiting wards and polling units, interacting with voters and participating actively in the electoral process.
She also called on APC supporters to mobilise for the party’s candidates at all levels.
Highlighting the federal government’s education financing and infrastructure initiatives, Edu cited NELFUND and road projects as examples of interventions she said could improve access to education and expand economic opportunities.
She also acknowledged the Renewed Hope Initiative led by the First Lady and development projects being implemented by the Benue State Government.
Ben-Sor Lists 40th Birthday Empowerment Support
Ben-Sor used the occasion to highlight the interventions she said Edu had provided for women and vulnerable residents in the state.
The listed support included 40 business start-up grants, 40 academic scholarships, 40 mobile hair-washing kits, 40 sewing machines, 40 deep freezers and 40 grinding machines.
She also cited skills training and medical outreach services reportedly reaching more than 10,000 elderly and vulnerable people.
Ben-Sor particularly referenced beneficiaries at Ichwa IDP Camp in Makurdi, describing the interventions as meaningful support for people facing difficult circumstances.
She added that women in Benue would continue grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
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Traditional Reception Marks Celebration
Edu’s birthday celebration ended with a donation to support women’s mobilisation activities, the cutting of a birthday cake and a cultural presentation in which she was dressed in traditional Benue attire.
The event brought together women leaders, political stakeholders and government representatives, combining a birthday celebration with humanitarian engagement and discussions on women’s participation in the forthcoming electoral cycle.
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