Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has come under fire over a controversial empowerment programme for rural women.
Last week, his administration distributed branded wheelbarrows tagged “Hyacinth Cares” to women across the state.
According to officials, the 100-litre capacity wheelbarrows would ease produce transport and support petty traders.
They added that the wheelbarrows would help rural women survive worsening insecurity and poor road access.
However, many Nigerians criticized the programme on social media and described it as insulting and outdated.
Moreover, critics said the initiative ignored deeper issues like insecurity, poverty, and lack of market access.
Some citizens recalled a similar outrage in 2017 under former Governor Ortom’s youth empowerment scheme.
Consequently, many urged the state government to provide more meaningful support like farm tools and credit access.
Meanwhile, Dan-Morgan Ihomun, former APC spokesperson in Benue, strongly condemned the initiative.
He suggested the government should have given farmers fertilisers instead of wheelbarrows.
“Fertilisers are more useful during this planting season,” Ihomun stated in his reaction.
In addition, several citizens called for investment in irrigation and mechanised farming to lift rural communities.
At the same time, supporters defended the move, calling it a practical step toward grassroots empowerment.
Some praised the governor’s effort to reach rural women directly, despite the criticism.
Elsewhere, the Deputy Chairman of Vandeikya LGA, Janet Hembafan Orukuna, led a similar distribution event.
She gave farm inputs to local beneficiaries under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
This programme is part of a national agricultural support plan championed by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
During the event, Orukuna emphasized agriculture’s key role in rural development and food security.
She applauded the First Lady’s leadership and promised continued grassroots impact through local interventions.
Furthermore, beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the farming tools and called the support timely.
As the debate continues, many Nigerians await stronger, more sustainable economic empowerment plans.
