Grace Adagba, the Executive Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), today at the maiden edition of Jechira Day held in Vandeikya Local Government, advocated a deliberate shift toward agro-industrialisation and increased investment in youth and women empowerment as key drivers of sustainable development in the State.
Speaking during a roundtable discussion themed “Unlocking the Economic Potential of Benue People: Pathways to Prosperity,” Adagba emphasized the urgent need to move beyond subsistence farming to structured agro-industrial value chains. She highlighted the largely untapped citrus economy of Konshisha as a strategic opportunity for industrial expansion, job creation, and revenue diversification.
This is contained in a press statement made available to newsmen by Msughter John Ataigbough, Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman on Corporate Communications and Community Engagements.
The two-day event, held from April 6–7, 2026, drew prominent Jechira sons and daughters, including the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
Addressing participants at the grand finale, Governor Alia commended the Jechira Development Association, led by Vitalis Akase, for reviving the cultural celebration. He described the initiative as timely in promoting unity and collective progress, while reaffirming the state government’s commitment to agricultural development, particularly through the distribution of fertilizers to farmers during the current planting season.
Adagba who was honoured with the prestigious Illustrious Daughter of Jechira award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to revitalising basic education in Benue State said that the Jechira Day celebration marks a renewed push toward cultural renaissance and socio-economic advancement in the region, with stakeholders expressing optimism about sustained collaboration and development-focused initiatives
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