By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Makurdi
The quiet community of Ebonda Ukpa in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State came alive at the weekend as members of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) embarked on a series of social, welfare and spiritual activities aimed at strengthening ties with residents.
The outreach featured an “Open Kitchen” programme, through which assorted cooked meals were distributed free to members of the public, particularly the less privileged. Organisers said the initiative was designed to demonstrate love, care and community service.
Speaking during the event on Saturday 30 May 2026, the Administrator of BCS in Benue State, Archbishop Abibo Tamunoibuobi, said the meals included rice and stew, fufu with various soups, fruits and bread. He explained that all the foods served were vegetarian, in line with the organisation’s teachings against the consumption of meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.
As part of the activities, the organisation also staged a Unity Football Match between a BCS-selected team and the Ebonda Ukpa community football team. The BCS side comprised youths drawn from various formations across Benue State and was captained by Divine Vanguard Samuel Obo, a priest serving at the Ebonda Bethel.
The event coincided with the commissioning of a newly completed BCS edifice in the community. The project was completed after four years through the efforts and sponsorship of Matriarch Christ Shepherd Cecilia Mong, whose support also facilitated the commissioning ceremony attended by dignitaries from the organisation’s world headquarters in Calabar and other states of the federation.
In the football encounter, the host community team edged the BCS side 1–0 in a closely contested match. At the end of the game, Cecilia Mong presented cash gifts to both teams in appreciation of what organisers described as a display of sportsmanship and football artistry.
Archbishop Tamunoibuobi said the social engagements were deliberately organised to add value to the commissioning ceremony and deepen the cordial relationship between the organisation and the host community.
A retired military officer and community leader, Peter Owulo, commended the initiative, describing it as a laudable effort that would further promote peace, friendship and mutual understanding between residents and members of the organisation.
“What the BCS has done is highly commendable. It will foster love, improve understanding of the organisation and strengthen the bond between the community and the church. Football unites people, while sharing food promotes friendship and peace. Ebonda community and BCS have coexisted peacefully for many years,” he said.
The outreach programme also featured a healing service tagged “Healing Night,” which attracted both residents and BCS adherents. Organisers said participants sought spiritual intervention for various challenges, with testimonies of healing and deliverance reported during the event.
