ISRAEL OFFERS BENUE YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS, FARM TRAINING TO BOOST FOOD SECURITY. (PHOTO) .

 ISRAEL OFFERS BENUE YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS, FARM TRAINING TO BOOST FOOD SECURITY 

The Government of Israel has approved scholarship and agricultural training opportunities for youths from Benue State in a move aimed at strengthening food security and skills development.

Chairman of the Benue State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Rev. Fr. Michael Melladu, disclosed this while hosting the State Working Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber.

Melladu said the agreement followed discussions he held with Israeli officials during a recent pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where he explored areas of collaboration beyond pilgrimage activities.

According to him, Israel’s strength in modern agriculture, education, and hospitality services opened a window for strategic partnership.

“I told them I had gone through their profiles and saw they are running hotels, schools and are also deeply involved in farming. So I asked, where do we come in as a state? They asked what we wanted,” Melladu said.

He explained that he requested scholarship slots in Israeli schools and hands-on farm training for Benue youths, with a view to transferring advanced farming techniques back home.

Melladu revealed that Israel has agreed to take five young persons from Benue during each pilgrimage exercise for apprenticeship training on Israeli farms. Arrangements, he said, are underway to select the first batch of beneficiaries.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly improve agricultural productivity in the state, as trained youths are expected to replicate modern farming systems upon their return.

On efforts to strengthen the financial base of the Board, Melladu said he has proposed the establishment of a modern kindergarten school as a revenue-generating project.

He disclosed that the proposal has been presented to Governor Hyacinth Alia, stressing the need for the Board to reduce dependence on government funding.

“It will not be right for this Board to rely solely on government sponsorship. We must create sustainable sources of income to support our operations,” he said.

The chairman noted that the Board has a large parcel of land designated for its permanent site and suggested that part of it could host an international-standard kindergarten.

He added that the school would accommodate children from underprivileged backgrounds through subsidized arrangements, while also attracting investors to support the project.

Drawing from his previous experience in Port Harcourt, where a parish-based school generated substantial annual revenue, Melladu said a similar initiative in Makurdi would position the Board for financial independence.

While lamenting infrastructural challenges at the Board’s current office, he maintained that the management remains committed to achieving its vision.

“Despite the challenges, our dreams are big and we are determined to do better, God willing,” he said.

Earlier, NUJ Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, congratulated Melladu on his appointment, describing it as well deserved and reflective of his record of service and discipline.

Ugber also commended Governor Alia for what he termed a deliberate move to place public institutions in capable hands.

He noted that since Melladu assumed office, the Board has successfully conducted pilgrimage exercises to Jerusalem, restoring confidence in its operations and renewing spiritual hope among Christians in the state.