The Governor of Benue State, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has implored children to shun cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime, and other social vices capable of destroying their future and endangering society.
Fr. Alia made the call during the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration in Benue State held at the Ibrahim Babangida (IB) Square in Makurdi, the state capital, under the theme: “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.” The governor was represented by the Deputy Governor Dr. Sam Ode.
He said children remain the hope for Nigeria’s future and urged them to embrace discipline, hard work, honesty, patriotism, compassion, and excellence as they grow into adulthood.
The governor warned that vices such as thuggery, bullying, cultism, violence, and cybercrime destroy destinies, weaken communities, and fuel insecurity.
“No temporary gain is worth sacrificing your dreams, your dignity, your freedom, or your future. Focus on your education and talents. Use technology responsibly and commit yourselves to values that promote peace, unity, and progress,” the governor stated.
He assured children in the state that his administration “remained committed to building a state where every child can dream boldly, grow safely, learn freely and succeed honourably,” emphasising that inclusion must become the moral foundation of national development, where every child, whether living in urban or rural communities, internally displaced persons camps, or living with disabilities, deserves equal access to quality education, healthcare, protection, nutrition and opportunities for personal growth.
The governor, therefore, called on parents, guardians, teachers, caregivers, traditional rulers, faith leaders, and development partners to continue nurturing children with love, discipline, integrity, and moral guidance.
