By Father Patrick Tor Yugh, Chronicler, Catholic Diocese of Makurdi

The Catholic Diocese of Makurdi has appointed Very Rev. Father Oliver Ortese as its new Vicar General Administration, in a decision announced by the Bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. Dr Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF.

The appointment was contained in a letter dated Friday, September 4, 2026, and takes immediate effect, according to a statement signed by Father Patrick Tor Yugh, Chronicler of the Makurdi Diocese.

As Vicar General Administration, Father Ortese will assist the Bishop in the governance of the diocese, particularly on administrative matters and other responsibilities attached to the office under Canons 475–481 of the Catholic Church's Code of Canon Law.

Father Ortese is currently Priest-in-Charge of St Lucy Quasi-Parish, Ayihe. He was ordained a Catholic priest on August 6, 1994, by the then Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò.
According to the diocese, the newly appointed Vicar General Administration has served in several pastoral and educational institutions during his priestly ministry.

His previous assignments include St Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Makurdi, where he served for many years, as well as St Winifred Parish, Ihugh; St Joseph Parish, Akpehe; and St Charles Lwanga Preparatory Seminary, Adeke, Makurdi.

The statement also listed pastoral assignments at St Gregory Parish and St Veronica Parish in California, United States.

The diocese attributed the appointment to Father Ortese's priestly zeal, experience and commitment, describing the decision as an expression of confidence in his ability to carry out the responsibilities of the office for the benefit of the diocese and its members.

In congratulating Father Ortese, Bishop Anagbe offered a prayer for wisdom, strength and grace as he begins his new responsibility.

The appointment places Father Ortese in a significant administrative role within the Makurdi Diocese, where the Vicar General assists the diocesan bishop in the governance of the local church.

The information supplied by the diocese does not provide further details on any specific administrative changes or programmes that may follow from the appointment.
Father Ortese's appointment is effective immediately.

Father Oliver Ortese has been appointed Vicar General Administration of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi.

The appointment was made by Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF.
It was announced in a letter dated September 4, 2026.

The appointment takes immediate effect.

Father Ortese has served in several parishes and Catholic institutions in Nigeria and the United States.

His role includes assisting the Bishop in diocesan governance, particularly administration.