The Chairman, Guest Speaker, Distinguished Awardees , Invited Guests, the Media Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen.

Today marks the celebrations of event which unites Gboko, nay Benue state indeed the Nation with the global community. This month and particularly the 8^th March every year, is designated as the International Women’s Day (IWD) when the United Nations (UN) churns out Themes annually to celebrate Womanhood as a critical component of human race.

This year’s  Theme for celebration of International Women’s day by the United Nations is: Invest in women: Accelerate progress

This Theme is very instructive having already factored the fact that including women in all endeavours of life certainly accelerates progress.

For us in Benue state, the theme also provides a veritable  opportunity to honour and celebrate our outstanding women in the State.

The Awardees we honour and celebrate today stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Okonjo Iweala of the World Trade Organisation, Amina Mohammed at the United Nations Secretariat , Dr Pricilia Achakpa, Mrs Elizabeth Ivase and Dr. Mrs Elizabeth Izeyol etc to mention just a few.

The Women we have chosen to honour today represents every vitue of a woman in every category of the Award.

The significance of the occasion is underscored by the presence of Women Allies (Supporters of women) in the development spectrum.

As we listen to the Guest Speaker, may I point out the disturbing statistics that were released recently by the Tribune Newspaper of 20^th March 2024 which listed  the 3 Top States  with the highest number of Out-of School children. Benue State is number 20 on the list with 18.4%

We therefore  need to support women to narrow the gap by encouraging the various homes to enroll and retain children in schools thereby accelerating Progress.

Clement Iornongu Esq (Director IDEAS)