Mrs. Maria E. Adaigbe is an accomplished professional with a strong background in Botany and Plant Pathology. She earned her B.Sc. in Botany from the University of Benin in 1977 and her M.Sc. in Plant Pathology from the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, in 1987. Throughout her academic career, she received several scholarships, including the Bendel State Scholarship and the Federal Scholarship.

Professionally, she held significant roles in Delta State’s agricultural sector, serving as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources from 2010 to 2013 and as Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics from 2003 to 2013. She has received various accolades for her academic achievements, including the Departmental Prize and the Dean’s Prize.

Mrs. Adaigbe is also involved in multiple boards and committees, such as the Delta State Committee on Food and Nutrition and the SEED policy group. She serves as the Vice President of Programme Against Poverty International and as the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the Redeemed AIDS Programme Action Committee. Her expertise spans agriculture, public policy, and community development.