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Benue State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Makurdi (2026)

11/06/2026

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE!!!

The Chairman Rev. Fr. Michael Melladu FJS, Members and Staff of Benue State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board received with deep shock and sorrow the news of the passing of Late Chief Moses Agbogbo Ode PhD, Head of Service, Benue State.

Chief Ode was a quintessential civil servant, a man of integrity, diligence, and deep commitment to the growth of the Benue Public Service. His years of service stood as a pillar of professionalism and selfless dedication to the Alia-led administration and the people of Benue State.

To His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Benue State Government, the entire Public Service, and the bereaved family, we extend our heartfelt condolences.

We pray that the Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest, and gives you all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

May his legacy of service continue to inspire us.

Signed:

Hon. Shadrach Toryila Asombo JP
Executive Secretary,
Benue state Christian Pilgrims Welfare Baord, Makurdi.

15/05/2026

SUBJECT: FELICITATIONS ON THE 60TH BIRTHDAY OF HIS EXCELLENCY, REV. FR. DR. HYACINTH IORMEM ALIA 60 HEARTY CHEERS TO OUR FATHER IN FAITH AND GOVERNOR...

On behalf of the Chairman, Members, Staff, and the entire Management of the Benue State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, we humbly join the good people of Benue State and well-wishers across the nation to celebrate a visionary leader and servant of God, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on the auspicious occasion of his 60th Birthday Anniversary.

Your Excellency, as you attain this diamond milestone, we celebrate the divine grace upon your life, a life dedicated to the service of humanity and the spiritual and physical development of Benue State.

Your journey from the altar to the seat of leadership has been a testament to faith, hope, and strong commitment to the welfare of the masses.As a Board, we particularly appreciate your divine passion for the spiritual growth of our citizens, your support for pilgrimages, and your commitment to bringing "Renewed Hope" to the state.

Your exemplary leadership as a priest-turned-politician continues to inspire righteousness, peace, and progress in our political landscape.On this special day, we pray that the Almighty God grants you continued good health, divine wisdom, and renewed strength to steer the ship of Benue State to greater heights of development, peace, and prosperity.

May the face of the Lord shine upon you, and may this new age bring unparalleled achievements in your quest to transform our state.Congratulations on your 60th Birthday, Father of the State! Ad Multos Annos! (Many more years!).

Signed:
Hon. Shadrach Toryila Asombo (JP).
Executive Secretary Benue State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.

13/03/2026

BENUE STATE GOVERNMENT TO PAY COUNTERPART FUNDING FOR NIGERIA WOMEN PROJECT, SPONSOR PILGRIMS TO HOLY LANDS.

Friday, 13/03/2026

The Benue State Executive Council, chaired by His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has approved the counterpart funding of ₦450,000,000 (Four Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) for the Nigeria Women Project.

This World Bank project, sourced by the Benue state government, aims to empower Benue women through small and medium businesses, alleviating their poverty and promoting economic growth. The state government's contribution will leverage additional funding from the World Bank to implement the project.

The Executive Council also approved the sponsorship of 81 pilgrims to Mecca this year, with similar support for Christian pilgrims when the time comes Jerusalem Pilgrimage . This initiative marks a new era of pilgrimage sponsorship in Benue State, a practice previously neglected by past administrations, re-initiated by the Alia led government.

Additionally, the council approved the executive order of the Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, renaming the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation to Dan Agbese Printing and Publishing Corporation, honoring the late Dan Agbese's contributions to Nigeria’s media landscape.

The council praised Dan Agbese's achievements, and urged young people to emulate his dedication and learn that hard work pays.

Chief Solomon Iorpev
Technical Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication

25/02/2026

Food Security: Israel Grants Benue Youth Scholarship Farming, Other Ventures

written by Tor Vande-Acka

MAKURDI: Rev. Fr. Michael Melladu, Chairman, Benue State Pilgrims' Welfare Board, has stated that the Government of Israel has promised to grant some youths from the state scholarship into some of it's schools.

The first batch of the youths that would commence apprenticeship training on Israeli farms are expected to return to Benue and replicate the modern farming techniques they acquire in the state as a measure of boosting food production.

Rev Fr Melladu, who disclosed this while playing host to members of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the Benue State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by the Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, also said, the Board, plans to float a school that would serve as a revenue generating venture for the Board.

Speaking on his meeting with the Israelis during the last pilgrimage, Meladu, explained that he told the Israelis that "I have gone through your profiles, you are running hotels and schools; you are also into farming in Israel. So where do we come in as a State and they asked me what do you want?

"I said you need to give us some scholarship slots in your schools. You also need to take some of our young people and train them in your farms in Israel so that when they come back, they will implement it in our state.

"So during the pilgrimage, I had an aside meeting with them and they have agreed that they will be taking five persons each time we go on pilgrimage. So we are already working on the first set of young people who will travel there and do the apprenticeship in their farms", he said.

Similarly, on the plans by the Board to float a school, Melladu stated that "I did a proposal to the governor where I suggested that it would not be right for this Board to be depending solely on government sponsorship and that we should also find a way of generating revenue so that at the end of the day, even if we are unable to get all the monies that are required for running this Board, we should have something on ground and only be looking for something to supplement what we get.

"We have a vast land that belongs to us. That is where we are supposed to build our permanent site so I told the governor that the land there is enough to build our permanent site. So let us build a modern kindergarten of international standard on our permanent site.

"Also we have many people here who have a lot of money and are looking for where to spend the money. So when we build the school, we will consider giving those who are less privileged subsidy.

"When I was in Port-Harcourt, we had such a school under my parish and I know how much we were generating annually. And if we begin that project in this place, which is in the heart of the town and if it is properly handled, this Board will be able to become independent.

"The governor has bought into the idea and we may be considering to do that. But for now things are not as it should be and as you can see even the infrastructure here (present office) is not befitting", adding that "despite these challenges, our dreams are huge and we are looking to doing better, God willing", the Board Chairman stated.

Earlier, the Chairman, NUJ, Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, who congratulated Rev Fr Melladu on his well-deserved appointment, noted that the appointment did not come as a surprise in view of his track record of "spiritual leadership, administrative discipline, and unwavering commitment to the service of God and humanity.

While he commended Governor Hyacinth Alia, for appointing Melladu as Board chairman, he stated that the appointment was a demonstration of governor Alia's commitment "to entrusting public institutions into capable, credible, and God-fearing hands.

Ugber further stated "We have keenly observed your efforts since assuming office, and we particularly appreciate your determination in reviving the activities of the Board and restoring confidence in its operations.

"Since you assumed office, your leadership has ensured that Christians from Benue state successfully embarked on the Holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem last year which is an exercise that rekindled spiritual hope and reaffirmed faith among our people", the NUJ chairman observed.

20/02/2026

Benue Pilgrims’ Board Breaks Three-Year Jinx, Sponsors 78 Persons On Pilgrimage To Israel...Clears N96m Debt Owed National Body

By: Tor Vande-Acka -February 20, 2026

The Chairman, Benue State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Rev. Fr. Michael Melladu, said the state government has broken a three year jinx and sponsored 78 persons on pilgrimage to the Holy land last year.

He explained that, the sponsorship to the pilgrimage to Israel followed the settlement of N96 million that was owed the National Pilgrim’s Commission by the previous administration.

The Board Chairman disclosed this while speaking with members of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the Benue State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) led by the chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, during a courtesy call to his office.

Rev. Fr. Melladu, explained that for the first time ever, the state governor gave a slot to each of the chairmen of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and another slot to one person in each of the 19 Northern states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that were ordinarily not privileged to embark on pilgrimage to the Holy land.

He said, “When we came in and took over this Board, we met it in a state of comatose. There was no activity going on consistently for a period of three years. But that was not all, the most challenging aspect of the situation was the fact that the last administration left a burden of N96 million here. We were indebted to the national body to the tune of N96 million.

“So when we came in and we made an attempt to embark on pilgrimage; we went to Abuja and were told clearly that whatever payment Benue State Government was going to make, they will first of all deduct the N96 million and whatever is left is what they will use to process our trip to the Holy Land.

“So that was a very big problem, knowing that you are just coming into office and the first thing you are confronted with is a debt left for you to pay, even before you can begin to talk about doing anything.

“But with the assistance of the governor (Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia), we got all those issues solved. Then last few months we embarked on what I may term experimentary pilgrimage, the number was quite limited, but it was better embarking on that journey, than not going anywhere at all.

“And as we all know, the state is bedeviled with a lot of challenges and the resources are quite lean. But the governor, being not just the governor but also a Catholic priest is taking the Board very seriously. So we are hoping that going forward we are going to do better.”

He noted that “During our last trip (to Israel), the governor did something very spectacular, such that many of these states from the core North that are not having Christian Pilgrimage Boards in their individual states and are completely deprived of the privilege of embarking on the journey, were given slots.

“Therefore, the governor took the initiative of giving some slots to all the 19 Northern states, including the FCT and consequently he was seen as the man of that year’s pilgrimage. It’s something no governor has ever done.

“Altogether, we sponsored 78 persons on this pilgrimage and we gave a slot to each of the 19 Northern states, including the FCT and then we gave a slot to each of the CAN chairmen of the 19 Northern states, including the FCT. And subsequently we are hoping to increase the number to as much as 300; that’s my proposal before the governor.

“Thereafter, they came here in their numbers to show their appreciation and we are hoping that going forward the number of slots will increase and as they continue to increase, we will continue to involve many persons. You demanded for five, we will neither say yes or no. The number we are going to give to you people will be determined by what we are going to have in our hands. So what we have is what we are going to share”, Meladu promised.

He therefore stated that “As chairman of this Board, I pledge my willingness to work very closely with you, as much as our resources will permit us”, he said.

Earlier, the Chairman, NUJ, Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, had requested that the Board allocate slots to journalists in the state to embark on pilgrimage to the Holy land.

While he stated that the opportunity would enhance the spiritual lives of journalists in the state, he observed that the gesture would further serve as an avenue to journalists in the state to report on activities of the exercise, since they would be on ground.

The NUJ chairman also sought the partnership of the Board, to ensure effective dissemination of information about the programmes and activities of the Pilgrims’ Welfare Board.

Comrade Ugber further stated that the appointment of Rev Fr Meladu, by Governor Alia, was a reflection of his result-oriented leadership style, adding that the Board has witnessed renewed vigour since he assumed office.

20/02/2026

Nigeria Union of Journalists Seeks Partnership with Benue State Christian Pilgrimage Welfare Board...

By: Samuel Anyanwu -February 19, 2026

Nigeria Union of Journalists Seeks Partnership with Benue State Christian Pilgrimage Welfare Board

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, has called for strategic collaboration between the Union and the Benue State Christian Pilgrimage Welfare Board to enhance public awareness of the Board’s activities.

Comrade Ugber made the call on Thursday 19 February 2026 during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Board, Rev. Fr. Michael Melladu.

He noted that the appointment of Fr. Meladu by the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, was a reflection of his pragmatic and result-oriented leadership style.

According to the NUJ Chairman, the Board has witnessed renewed vigour since Fr. Melladu assumed office. He particularly commended the successful sponsorship of Benue State contingents to embark on pilgrimage to Jerusalem for spiritual growth—an exercise that had been suspended during the previous administration.

Comrade Ugber stated that the State Working Committee of NUJ sought the partnership to ensure effective dissemination of information about the Board’s programmes and activities. He further appealed to the Board to consider allocating pilgrimage slots to Benue journalists, noting that such an opportunity would not only enhance their spiritual lives but also enable them to provide firsthand reports of pilgrimage activities to the people back home.

In his response, Rev. Fr. Michael Melladu expressed appreciation for the visit and acknowledged the critical role of journalism in shaping public opinion and promoting societal development. He described the media as a powerful institution that cannot be relegated, given its responsibility in information dissemination.

The Board Chairman thanked Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for finding him worthy of the appointment and pledged to reposition the Board both structurally and administratively. He disclosed plans to introduce revenue-generating initiatives, including the establishment of an international kindergarten at the Board’s permanent site, which, when completed and commissioned, would serve as a sustainable source of income to support the Board’s projects.

Fr. Melladu further explained that the resumption of pilgrimage for Benue contingents last year demonstrated the Governor’s commitment to the spiritual wellbeing of Christians in the state. He revealed that the Governor cleared ₦96 million in outstanding arrears owed to the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, which had stalled pilgrimage activities for three years, enabling 78 pilgrims to undertake the spiritual journey to the Holy Land.

He added that Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leaders across the nineteen Northern states were also allocated pilgrimage slots, a gesture that strengthened goodwill and unity within the Christian community.

Rev. Fr. Melladu assured the NUJ Chairman of the Board’s readiness to partner with the Union to effectively publicise its programmes and promised to give due consideration to the requests presented during the visit.

Signed:

VERONICA AZEMBA
For: Head of Center FIC Makurdi

19/02/2026

NUJ SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH Benue State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board...

BY: ORYIMAN GWAZA...

The Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber has said that, the appointment of Fr. Michael Meladu as the Chairman Christian Pilgrimage Welfare Board by Governor Hyacinth Alia is as a result of his pragmatic and dogged style of leadership he had acquired over time.

Comrade Bemdoo Ugber made the statement earlier today during a courtesy call on the Board Chairman. He further stressed that, since the coming onboard of the Rev. Gentleman, the Christian Pilgrimage Welfare Board has taken a new shape, as it is evident that, shortly after his appointment, he was able to convince His Excellency to sponsor Benue State contingents to embark on pilgrim to Jerusalem for spiritual growth. An exercise which had been suspended in the previous administration.

Also, he said that, it was on the basis of his hard work that the State Working Committee of NUJ came to seek partnership in order to keep members of the public abreast of the activities of the board.

Comrade Bemdoo also requested that, the Chairman should consider giving slots to the also embark on pilgrim to Jerusalem, not just to rejuvenate their spiritual lifes but to also use the avenue to be giving reports of pilgrimage activities for the people back home to have a clear picture of what happens in Jerusalem.

In his the Chairman Christian Pilgrimage Welfare Board, Rev. Fr. Michael Meladu expressed happiness over the visit saying that, journalism controls the power of the mind and it remains that one body that can never be relegated, owing to the power of the pen they use in passing disseminating information that is very key to the development of any society.

Fr. Meladu further thanked Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for finding him worthy of the appointment and promised to do his best by ensuring that the board is not only given a physical face lift but, he intends to introduce revenue generating projects for the board. This he said he has briefed the Governor on the need to establish an international kindergarten, which when completed and commissioned by the governor, it will become a revenue generating entity that will help the board execute other projects.

Speaking further, he explained that, the pilgrimage embarked by Benue contingents last year was the governor's way of sending a message across christians that, his administration apart from carrying out massive development across different sectors, he wants to ensure that, the spiritual life of Benue christians and the other nineteen states is boosted saying that, it was on that basis that the governor cleared the ninety-six (96,000,000) million naira arrears the past administration failed to pay to the National Christian Pilgrimage Welfare Board, for the seventy-eight pilgrims to travel after three years of not embarking on the spiritual journey to the Holy Land.

He stressed that, one remarkable thing the governor did that he has today won the hearts of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leaders in the nineteen (19) northern states was ensuring that, they were all given a slot to travel too.

He told the NUJ Chairman that, the Board is more than ready to partner with the Union so as to propagate the Board's activities to the larger society. He further promised to look into the request made by the Chairman.

19/02/2026

A while ago, Rev. Fr. Michael Melladu FJS, JP, the Benue state Christian Pilgrims Board Chairman responded to the Benue NUJ State Working Committee during their working courtesy visit in the board's Makutdi office premises.

19/02/2026

SPEECH BY THE CHAIRMAN, NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ), BENUE STATE COUNCIL, COMRADE BEMDOO UGBER MICHAEL, DURING A COURTESY VISIT OF THE STATE WORKING COMMITTEE TO THE CHAIRMAN, BENUE STATE CHRISTIAN Pilgrim WELFARE BOARD, VERY REV. FR. MICHAEL MELADU, AT THE BOARD HEADQUARTERS, MAKURDI.
ON THURSDAY 19TH FEBRUARY 2026.

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Meladu,
Chairman, Benue State Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board.
Executive Secretary Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board.
Distinguished Members of the Board,
My colleagues from the State Working Committee of the NUJ,
Gentlemen of the Press.

It is with profound respect and a deep sense humility and honour that I stand before you today on behalf of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Benue State Council, during this important courtesy visit to your esteemed office.

First and foremost, Fr. permit me to warmly and heartily congratulate you on your well-deserved appointment as Chairman of the Benue State Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board. Your elevation to this noble responsibility did not come as a surprise to many of us who are conversant with your track record of spiritual leadership, administrative discipline and unwavering commitment to the service of God and humanity.

We firmly believe that the Governor of Benue State did not make a mistake in appointing you to man this sensitive and spiritually significant Board. Rather, he carefully selected you,a Priest,an anointed servant of God, your calling, integrity, and pastoral experience uniquely position you to guide Christian pilgrims on journeys of faith and spiritual renewal.

In this regard, we commend His Excellency, Rev.Fr.Hyacinth Iormem Alia, “The Asortar U Tiv,” for finding you worthy of this appointment. His Excellency’s decision once again demonstrates his commitment to entrusting public institutions to capable, credible and God-fearing hands.

Very Rev. Father, we have keenly observed your efforts since assuming office. We particularly appreciate your determination in reviving the activities of the Board and restoring confidence in its operations. Since you assumed office your leadership ensured that Christians from Benue State successfully embarked on the Holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem last year an exercise that rekindled spiritual hope and reaffirmed faith among our people.

Such achievements are not merely administrative milestones; they are spiritual investments in the moral and religious strength of our State. For this, we say thank you.

We are equally grateful for granting the Nigeria Union of Journalists this audience. It speaks volumes of your openness, inclusiveness, and willingness to carry critical stakeholders along.

Let me assure you that this visit marks the beginning of an even stronger and mutually beneficial relationship between the NUJ and the Board.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists is not only a professional body but also a union of practicing journalists and since its creation, the NUJ has played a pivotal role in shaping society,defending truth, promoting accountability, strengthening democracy and fostering unity.

Here in Benue State, the NUJ has contributed immensely to the unity, peace and progress of our dear State. We have consistently served as a vanguard of peace, values that align perfectly with the teachings and mission of the Church. Through responsible journalism, we have supported policies and programmes that promote harmony and development.

The NUJ Benue State Council presently has 20 Chapels spread across government-owned and private media organisations, with a membership strength of over 400 journalists.

Notably, about 99 percent of our members are Christians who share in the faith and spiritual aspirations of the larger Christian community in the State.
In view of this, we respectfully wish to request that under your visionary leadership, the Board should consider allocating at least five pilgrimage slots to journalists each time the Board is mobilised by the Governor of Benue State beginning with the forthcoming Easter pilgrimage.

This request is not merely for participation but for purpose. Granting journalists the opportunity to embark on pilgrimage will enable them join other pilgrims in praying fervently for Benue State, for the journalism profession, and for the peace and prosperity of our people. It will also afford them the privilege to provide daily reports and spiritual reflections from the Holy Land, thereby bringing the pilgrimage experience closer to the people of Benue who may not have the opportunity to travel.

Such collaboration will deepen public awareness, strengthen transparency, and further enhance the image and credibility of the Board.

Father, let me once again thank you for your disposition in carrying journalists along. Be assured of our unwavering commitment to project, and promote the policies and programmes of the Benue State Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board. As partners in progress, we shall continue to uphold truth, fairness, and responsibility in all our engagements.

May God grant you wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as you lead this important institution to greater heights.

Thank you, and may God bless Benue State.

03/02/2026

CELEBRATING BENUE AT 50 YEARS

On behalf of the Chairman, Rev. Fr. Michael Melladu FJS, Board members, and the entire staff of the Benue State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, we warmly congratulate the good people of Benue State on this momentous occasion of our 50th Creation Anniversary.

These fifty years reflect the resilience, strength, and determination of our people. Benue State has produced illustrious sons and daughters who have significantly contributed to national development, and we honor the legacy of past and present leaders who have shaped our journey.

We are proud to serve Benue Pilgrims, facilitating their spiritual journeys and promoting interfaith harmony. We remain committed to supporting the growth of our beloved state.

As we celebrate this milestone, we acknowledge the efforts of Governor Alia's administration in enhancing security, infrastructural development, agriculture, health care, and education. While we recognize the progress made, we remain optimistic about the work ahead.

Benue's rich cultural heritage, encompassing the Tiv, Idoma, Igede, Etulo, Utonkon, and other tribes, is a source of pride. Let’s continue to preserve and promote our traditions for future generations.

The Church and faith communities play a vital role in shaping our values. We pray for continued peace, unity, and progress.

As we mark 50 years today, let’s reflect on our achievements and chart a path for sustainable development, working together toward a brighter Benue.

To all Benue citizens at home and in the diaspora, your contributions are invaluable. Let’s continue investing in our state's future.

Here’s to many more years of peace, prosperity, and progress!

Best regards,

Shadrach Toryila Asombo
Executive Secretary,
Benue State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Makurdi.

Benue State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board

11/06/2026

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13/03/2026

25/02/2026

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