The Executive Chairman, Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, has presented financial scholarships to 14 students of Jechira extraction studying Agriculture and Science-related disciplines in various higher institutions across Nigeria.
The presentation was made during the launch of her pet project, “Divine Consensus for Alia 2027,” held at the Vandeikya Township Stadium in Vandeikya Local Government Area.
Dr. Adagba explained that the initiative was designed to promote the achievements of Governor Hyacinth Alia and support the consolidation of his mandate through strategic empowerment programmes.
She stated that the scholarship scheme was a key component of the Divine Consensus project, aimed at equipping students with the financial support necessary to excel and become self-reliant upon graduation.
She further revealed that the next phase of the scholarship scheme would commence in September and urged parents to encourage their wards to apply. She stated that an NGO in Turkey had expressed willingness to support about 100 students gain scholarships in the next phase.
The SUBEB boss also called on the people of Jechira to disregard any campaigns of calumny against Governor Alia and rally behind him to fulfil his vision for the state.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Dr. Benjamin Omale, represented by the Organizing Secretary, James Ornguga, commended Adagba for her initiative and described it as a model for all appointees under the Alia administration. He praised her contributions to the Governor’s election victory in 2023 and her continued efforts to sustain the administration’s mandate.
The Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication as well as Director General, Advertising and Signage Agency, Solomon Iorpev, enumerated key milestones of Governor Alia’s administration, including the construction of underpasses at High Level-Makurdi and Gboko, revitalisation of moribund companies like Taraku Mills and Otukpo Burnt Bricks ,youth empowerment initiatives, teacher recruitment, prompt salary and pension payments, health sector repositioning, and the establishment of a State University of Agricultural Sciences in Ihugh, Vandeikya LGA.
Chairman of the scholarship scheme, Prof. Efosa Kenneth, applauded Dr. Adagba for her developmental strides, noting that the beneficiaries were selected after a thorough screening process. He encouraged the students to make good use of the funds for their educational advancement.
In a welcome address, Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government, Dennis Guda, reiterated the support of the Jechira people for Governor Alia, dismissing ongoing opposition as the work of a few discontented individuals.
His Royal Highness, Tor Jechira, Chief Edward Ujege, represented by Ter Kunav, Chief Nyiyongu Achiaku, also commended Dr. Adagba for her remarkable leadership at SUBEB, which he said has positively transformed basic education in the State.
He emphasised the importance of educating the girl child, stating, “When you train a girl, you train a nation.”
Three of the scholarship beneficiaries, Denise Unyi, Msonter Iorember and Samuel Tyoyima, expressed gratitude to Dr. Adagba for the opportunity, promising to channel the funds into their academic pursuits.