Rev. Father Solomon Mfa Ukeyima popular known as MFA Tivdoo was born on July 15, 1976, to the family of Late Mr. Dennis Ukeyima Iorakpoughul and Mama Theresa Nyiepine Ukeyima of Nanev, Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State. He attended NKST Primary School, High Level, Makurdi (1982-1988) for his primary education and St. James’ Minor Seminary, Aliade (now in Yandev) from 1988-1994 for his secondary education.
After his early education, Fr. Ukeyima felt called to the priesthood. The Catholic Diocese of Makurdi found him worthy, and he proceeded to St. Thomas Aquinas’ Major Seminary, Makurdi, for philosophical studies, graduating with a degree in Philosophy in 1998. He then attended St. Augustine’s Major Seminary, Jos, in 1999 for theological studies, graduating with a degree in Theology after completing his pastoral year.
Rev. Fr. Ukeyima was ordained a deacon in 2003 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral, Makurdi, by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Athanasius Atule Usuh. He was ordained a priest on August 14, 2004, by His Lordship, Most Rev. A.A. Usuh, based on the recommendations of the people of God and those responsible for his training.
Rev Fr Mfa Solomon Ukeyima, Founder Kyegh Sha Shwa
Pastoral Work:
Since his ordination, Rev. Fr. Solomon Mfa Ukeyima has served in various capacities:
- Assistant Parish Priest, St. Michael’s Parish, Jato Aka (2004-2008)
- Assistant Cathedral Administrator, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral, Makurdi (2008-2010)
- Assistant Parish Priest, Sacred Heart’s Parish, Udei (2010-2011)
- Priest-In-Charge (Pioneer), St. Francis Catholic Mission (2012-2017)
- Parish Priest, St. Augustine’s Parish, Demekpe (2017-present)
Additional Responsibilities
Fr. Ukeyima has also held several responsibilities within the Church:
- Youth Chaplain, Adikpo Deanery
- Youth Chaplain, Makurdi Deanery
- Youth Chaplain, Makurdi Diocese
- YCSN Chaplain, Makurdi Diocese
- C.W.O Chaplain, Udei Deanery
- Holy Family Society Chaplain, Udei Deanery
- Member, Priests Council, Makurdi Diocese
- Secretary, Udei Deanery
- MOD Chaplain, Udei Deanery
Community Building and Philosophy
Beyond his priestly duties, Rev. Fr. Ukeyima is a strong advocate for community building, unity, peaceful coexistence, and social cohesion. He believes that “Life should also be a WINDOW through which you see the face of others and not just a MIRROR through which you see only your face.” He emphasizes that evangelization should extend beyond the pulpit, encapsulated in his quote: “When Church services are over, our services must begin. If the Church members rest, the Church rusts.”
Initiatives
Fr. Ukeyima founded:
Ungoov Mba-dedoo: An association of very old women under the umbrella of Christ to improve their material conditions and prepare them for the afterlife.
Mater Dei Widows: An association of widows under the patronage of Mary the Mother of God, providing training for self-reliance in a society that often views widowhood as a curse.
Cultural Integration
Fr. Ukeyima is committed to integrating the Gospel with local culture. He initiated the Kyegh Sha Shwa (KSS) Cultural Festival, held annually on December 26-27. It has become the largest gathering of the Tiv people, with an estimated annual attendance of 20,000, promoting unity across different political, religious, and social spectrums. He is fondly called “Tor Kyegh Sha Shwa” (Tor KSS) for his efforts.
Awards and Recognitions
Fr. Ukeyima’s contributions have earned him numerous awards and honors, including:
- Merit Award from NTA Makurdi Network Centre (2014)
- Award for Excellent Services to Humanity by Guma Students Association (2014)
- Honorary Member of Rotary Club of Makurdi Sunrise District 9125 Nigeria (2015)
- Award of Humanitarian Services to the Needy by Community of Tiv Students (CTS) BSU Chapter
- Merit Award of Excellence as “Beacon of Hope” by the Integrity Club 1970
- Award for Evangelism and Empowerment of Benue Women by BEWIP
- Humanitarian Services Award to IDPs by BENGONET (2014)
- Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Benue Chapter Award for Outstanding Humanitarian Services (2017)
- Unique Disciples Club of Makurdi Award as Peace Builder for his Peace Building Initiative in Benue State (2017)
- Gboko Diocesan Health Care Initiative award as Great Community Mobilizer (2016)
- Award of Excellence by Tiv Community, Lagos State Chapter, as Voice of the Voiceless and Champion of Tiv Unity (2018)
He also holds chieftaincy titles: “Oyame I” and “Agu of Demekpe” from the Idomas and Igbos in Makurdi, respectively, recognizing his outstanding performance and impact on these communities.
Personal Interests
Rev. Fr. Solomon Ukeyima enjoys making friends, reading, writing, cracking jokes, and telling stories with deep-seated truths. He is sociable yet firm in defending the truth and insisting on calling out evil.
Disclaimer: This profile was written by Naijahotvibez CEO Oryiman David Mson. Some information derived from Google and may not be fully accurate.
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