The Israeli government has agreed to offer scholarship and agricultural apprenticeship opportunities to youths from Benue State in a move aimed at strengthening skills transfer and boosting food production in the state.
Chairman of the Benue State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Rev. Fr. Michael Meladu, disclosed this while hosting members of the State Working Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber.
Meladu explained that the agreement followed discussions he held with Israeli officials during the last pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
According to him, the Israeli authorities, who operate schools, hotels and advanced farming systems, were approached to create opportunities that would directly benefit Benue youths.
He said Israel has agreed to take five youths from the state during each pilgrimage cycle for apprenticeship training on Israeli farms.
The beneficiaries are expected to return to Benue to replicate the modern agricultural techniques acquired abroad, thereby contributing to improved productivity and food security in the state.
The Board Chairman added that arrangements are already underway to select the first batch of young people who will travel to Israel for the training programme.
In a related development, Meladu revealed plans by the Board to establish a school as a revenue-generating venture to reduce its dependence on government funding.
He said he had submitted a proposal to Governor Hyacinth Alia, suggesting that the Board leverage its vast land to develop a modern kindergarten of international standard at its proposed permanent site.
According to him, the initiative is designed to ensure financial sustainability for the Board while also providing access to quality education.
He noted that provisions would be made to subsidise fees for less privileged families.
Meladu expressed optimism that, if properly managed, the project would enable the Board to operate more independently, supplementing government allocations with internally generated revenue.
He acknowledged existing infrastructural challenges at the Board’s current office but maintained that the vision for expansion and improved operations remains strong.
Earlier, NUJ Chairman Comrade Bemdoo Ugber congratulated Meladu on his appointment, describing it as well deserved.
He commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for what he termed a commitment to placing public institutions in capable and credible hands.
Ugber also lauded the Board’s recent activities, noting that under Meladu’s leadership, Christians from Benue State successfully undertook the Holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem last year, an exercise he said renewed spiritual hope and strengthened faith among participants.
