17/09/2026
BENUE STATE CHRISTIAN PILGRIMS WELFARE BOARD: MANDATE AND PERFORMANCE UNDER THE ALIA ADMINISTRATION (2023-2026)...
MANDATE OF THE BOARD:
The Benue State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board is statutorily charged with the responsibility of organizing, coordinating, and facilitating Christian pilgrimages for the faithful to the Holy Lands of Jordan and Israel, Rome, Greece and other Holy sites. The Board screens, educates, and ensures the spiritual and welfare needs of pilgrims before, during, and after pilgrimage, while also promoting the image of Benue State and Nigeria as a whole.
PERFORMANCE IN THE LAST THREE YEARS (2023-2026):
Under the administration of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Benue State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has been repositioned and rejuvenated to deliver on its mandate. The Board has recorded landmark achievements, sponsoring Christian pilgrims to the Holy Lands twice within the last three years:
1. 2024 State of Readiness Exercise:
In 2024, His Excellency approved the sponsorship of the Chairman and the Executive Secretary of the Board to the Holy Land for the State of Readiness Exercise. This preparatory visit paved the way for the full resumption of pilgrimage activities after years of inactivity, ensuring that all logistics, accommodations, and Holy Sites were secured for Benue pilgrims.
2. 2025 Historic Pilgrimage of 76 Pilgrims:
In a major milestone, the Governor in 2025 sponsored 76 pilgrims from Benue State to the Holy Lands of Jordan and Israel for the 2025 Christian Pilgrimage Exercise. The pilgrimage was adjudged as one of the most successful, orderly, and spiritually impactful in recent years.
The Alia administration has been able to clear up a whooping sum of ninety-six million ( #96,000,000) naira debt owned by the state board at the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) Abuja during the Ortom administration.
HISTORIC FEAT:
For the first time in the history of the Board, and indeed in the country, courtesy of the magnanimity and detribalized leadership of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, slots were allocated to the 19 Northern States Chairmen of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to participate in the Holy pilgrimage. This gesture has not only fostered unity among Christians in Northern Nigeria but has also projected Benue as the true home of hospitality and the food basket of Christian faith in Nigeria.
The Alia administration has thus demonstrated uncommon commitment to spiritual rejuvenation, religious inclusivity, and the strengthening of the faith of the people as a foundation for good governance.
The Benue State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board remains grateful to His Excellency for reviving pilgrimage activities in the state and pledges its continued loyalty and support to his administration.
Written by:
Shadrach Toryila Asombo (JP)
Executive Secretary;
Benue State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Cc:
Doris-Esther Yuwa
Information Officer,
CPWB