Fr. Martin Ternder AKPAGHER is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala, Nigeria. Born on August 14, 1987 in Saghev, Nongov, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, he has distinguished himself through dedicated pastoral ministry, academic excellence, and committed service to the Church.

He was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on  July 1, 2017 and has since served the Diocese in various pastoral, administrative, educational, and chaplaincy capacities.
Fr. Martin is the son of Noble Dominic Tyohemba AKPAGHER, KSJI and Mrs. Grace Justina AKPAGHER

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Fr. Martin received his primary education at Lower Benue Primary School, Makurdi (1990–2000). He subsequently attended St. James Junior Seminary, Yandev, Gboko, Benue State (2001–2006) before proceeding to St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Makurdi (2008–2016) for his philosophical and theological formation.

In pursuit of professional and academic development, he obtained a Professional Diploma in Education from the College of Education, Katsina-Ala (2019) and later earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B. Hons.) from Igbinedion University, Okada (2026).

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
1. Bachelor of Philosophy (B.Phil.), St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Makurdi (2012)
2. Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.), St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Makurdi (2016)
3. Professional Diploma in Education (PDE), College of Education, Katsina-Ala (2019)
4. Bachelor of Laws (LL.B. Hons.), Igbinedion University, Okada (2026)

PASTORAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE
Since his ordination, Fr. Martin has served the Diocese in several important capacities, including:

1. Bishop’s Private Secretary (2017–2019)
2. Parochial Vicar, St. Peter Parish, Gbor (2019–2020)
3. Parochial Vicar, St. Paul Parish, Tyoga (2020–2022)
4. Chaplain, St. Anthony Hospital Chaplaincy, Zaki-Biam (2020–2022)
5. Chaplain, Diocesan English Choir and Ministry of Hospitality (2020–2022)

MINISTRY AND SERVICE
Rev. Fr. Martin AKPAGHER  combines pastoral ministry with educational and legal expertise, bringing a unique perspective to the mission of the Church. His experience in diocesan administration, parish ministry, chaplaincy, and academic formation continues to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala.

Diocesan Notary, Chaplain and Lecturer

Fr. Joseph TORHOR is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala, Nigeria. He was born on  April 11, 1984 in Shitile, Benue State, to Late Pa TORHOR Emmanuel Bundega and Late Mrs. Lydia Ngukpen TORHOR. He was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on July 4, 2015 and has since devoted himself to the service of God and His people through pastoral ministry, canonical administration, and education.

Fr. TORHOR received his early education at the Federal Government Girls’ College Staff Nursery and Primary School, Gboko, before proceeding to St. James Minor Seminary, Yandev, where he began his journey towards the priesthood. He later underwent philosophical and theological formation at St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Makurdi.

In pursuit of academic and professional excellence, he furthered his studies at the University of Mkar, the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Port Harcourt, and the College of Education, Katsina-Ala, in affiliation with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. His academic qualifications include a Licentiate in Canon Law (STL), Master of Arts in Education (M.A.), Professional Diploma in Education (PDE), Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management (PGDM), Bachelor of Sacred Theology (BST), and Bachelor of Philosophy (B.Phil.).

Since his ordination, Fr. Torhor has served the Diocese in various capacities. He has been the Diocesan Notary since 2015, contributing significantly to the canonical and administrative life of the local Church. He currently serves as Chaplain of the College of Education, Katsina-Ala, where he provides pastoral care and spiritual guidance to the academic community. He is also a Lecturer at the institution, actively involved in the intellectual and moral formation of future educators.

Recognised for his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the mission of the Church, Rev. Fr. Joseph TORHOR continues to combine pastoral ministry, academic scholarship, and canonical expertise in the service of evangelisation and the building of the People of God.

Date of Birth: April 11, 1984
Place of Origin: Shitile, Benue State, Nigeria
Date of Priestly Ordination: July 4, 2015
Current Assignment: Diocesan Notary; Chaplain and Lecturer, College of Education, Katsina-Ala.