Gboko, Nigeria – June 2024 - On 21 June, the diocese of Gboko, in the state of Benue, Nigeria, welcomed the first Salesian missionaries in the region. The ceremony was presided over by Bishop William Amove Avenya, Bishop of Gboko, who several years ago had addressed an invitation to the Salesians. Present priests, religious leaders, managers, staff and students of St Jude's Science and Technical College in Tse Mker, area of the local government of Vandeikya. In his speech, the Bishop expressed his joy at having finally brought the Salesians into the diocese after so many efforts. This event marks a significant achievement for the Nigeria-Niger Salesian Province (ANN) which continues the mission of Don Bosco in serving the poorest of the poor throughout the area they are responsible for. The pioneering Salesian team presented at the event consists of Fr Ephraim Onwuzuru and Fr Joshua Pilaku, who will be joined by Fr Geoffrey Abichi and two practical trainees, Isaac Agama and Stephen Aji-Imoter.