Thousands of Benue women turned out to welcome and celebrate Dr Betta Edu as she marked her 40th birthday with Internally Displaced Persons in IDP camps in Benue State.
The women went agog with dance and chants from the airport to the venue of the strategic town hall meeting for women ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dr Edu, who was Co-Director of the PCC APC Women Mobilisation Directorate, was received at the airport by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady Designate of Benue State, Hon. Scholastica Ben-Sor and thousands of women supporters across the state.
They paid a courtesy call at the Government House before proceeding for the town hall meeting and birthday celebration.
The meeting had in attendance the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, who was ably represented by his Deputy, Sam Ode, as well as key women stakeholders in the state including the Secretary to the State Government, DCNS Serumun Deborah Aber, the Head of Service, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Commissioner for Special Duties Hon. Elizabeth Ogenyi, Hon. Ada Ode, all female commissioners, female government appointees, female vice chairmen and wives of local government chairmen.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, the Deputy Governor commended the celebrant for choosing to spend her birthday with IDPs in Benue, saying her passion for the sick and vulnerable in Nigeria is unmatched.
“There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother, Dr Betta you have been that friend to Benue people. Benue will deliver over 1 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the next election, we assure you,” he said.
In her remarks, Dr Edu thanked the women for the overwhelming reception and commended their support for President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu and Governor Alia, saying it was time for serious work.
“The women are at the forefront of winning this election. Go to your wards and polling units and begin full time canvassing. Win everyone over to APC. You must vote APC from top to bottom. In 2023 Benue stood out, you gave APC and President Tinubu a big win. Let us raise the tempo by doubling the winning numbers, I know you can and you will,” she charged.
She said President Tinubu has done a lot, citing NELFUND and the completion of the Abuja to Benue road which used to be a death trap, now opening more economic corridors for Benue development. She added that the First Lady through the Renewed Hope Initiative has reached thousands of families in Benue, while Governor Alia has turned Benue into a big construction site.
On her part, Hon. Scholastica Ben-Sor said Dr Edu has always shown support to the people of Benue, especially those in IDP camps.
She thanked her for the empowerment packages including 40 business start-up grants, 40 academic scholarships, 40 mobile hair-washing complete start-up kits, 40 sewing machines and trainings, 40 deep freezers, 40 grinding machines and a medical outreach for over 10,000 elderly and vulnerable people at Ichwa IDP Camp, Makurdi.
“She has put smiles on our faces and greatly empowered our people. Our women will work tirelessly to ensure Mr President wins big and Governor Alia is re-elected. We will deliver,” she said.
Highlight of the event was a donation from Dr Betta to support grassroots mobilisation for women, the cutting of the birthday cake and the dressing of Dr Edu in Benue traditional attire as a sign of welcome.