…inaugurates Divine Consensus for Alia 2027

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

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 courses in various higher institutions across the country.

Dr. Adagba made the presentation weekend during the launch of her pet project, “Divine Consensus for Alia 2027” held at the Vandeikya Township Stadium, Vandeikya Local Government Area, LGA, of the state.

In a statement by her Media Aide, Lucky Tarhemba, the Chairman 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 “is 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.”

While disclosing that the next phase of the scholarship scheme would commence in September, she urged parents to encourage their wards to apply stating that an NGO in Turkey had expressed willingness to support about 100 students to gain scholarships in the next phase.

Dr. Adagba called on the people of Jechira to shun any campaign of calumny against Governor Alia and rally behind him to fulfil his vision for the State.

The  Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state, Dr. Benjamin Omale, represented by the Organizing Secretary, Mr. James Ornguga commended Dr. Adagba for her initiative describing it as a model for all appointees in the Alia administration. He also lauded the SUBEB Chairman’s 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 who doubles Director General, of the State Advertising and Signage Agency, Solomon Iorpev, outlined key milestones of Governor Alia’s administration, including the construction of underpass in Makurdi and Gboko, revitalization 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 among others.

Chairman of the scholarship scheme, Prof. Kenneth Efosa commended 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.

The Chairman of Vandeikya LGA, Dennis Guda, reiterated the support of the Jechira people for Governor Alia, dismissing any opposition as the work of a few discontented individuals.

The Tor Jechira, HRH, Chief Edward Ujege, represented by Ter Kunav, HRH 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 emphasized the importance of educating the girl child, stating, “when you train a girl, you train a nation.”

Some of the scholarship beneficiaries including Denise Unyi, Msonter Iorember, and Samuel Tyoyima, expressed gratitude to Dr. Adagba for the opportunity, promising to channel the funds into their academic pursuits.

Present at the event were traditional leaders from across Jechira, Special Adviser to the Governor on Strategic and Economic Investment, Dr. Dennis Akura, the lawmaker representing Tiev Constituency in House of Assembly, Matthew Damkor, President General, Kunav United Development Association, Elder Emmanuel Yaji, Chairman Konshisha LGA, Chikyaa Terfa, Benue APC State Woman Leader, Chief Helen Agaigbe and APC Chairman Konshisha LGA, Aginde Terlumun, Chief Atser Ikyausu, Special Adviser to the Governor on entertainment, Mikael El- Stuffy among others.