Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Sep 20: Nigeria, The Southern Zones
Nigeria
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Africa
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Geography
Area: 923,768 sq kmMangrove and tropical rain forests in the south, savannah and grasslands in the north. The country is drained by the Niger-Benue river systems.
Population: 158,258,917 Annual Growth: 2.35%
Capital: Abuja
Urbanites: 49.8%
HDI Rank: 158 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)
Peoples
Peoples: 523 (13% unreached) All peoplesUnreached Peoples Prayer Card
Official language: English. Hausa is widely used in the north and middle belt, Yoruba in the southwest, Igbo in the southeast and Pidgin English all over the south Languages: 521 All languages
Religion
Largest Religion: Christian| Religion | Pop % | Ann Gr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christians | 81,123,521 | 51.26 | 2.7 |
| Evangelicals | 48,806,250 | 30.8 | 3.4 |
Challenge for Prayer
Nationwide interdenominational movements, more than in most nations, have made a deep impact on specific sections of the community. Of note:a) Secondary schools. SU operates mainly in the south, while its partner organization FCS (Fellowship of Christian Students) operates in 20 northern states. They have had a huge influence in discipling and training Christian young people. There is considerable opposition and trials in the three northern regions, often including bloody violent attacks, yet a great harvest is being won. Pray that Christian teachers, advisors and student leaders may be encouraged and strengthened.
b) Universities and colleges. NIFES (Nigeria Fellowship of Evangelical Students), the largest member movement of IFES, has over 35,000 members on 300 campuses, with their largest groups in the central and southern parts of the country. FCS is stronger in the central and northern regions, having also mobilized outreach into schools and colleges, winning many to Christ. There are now many other church-based campus fellowship groups associated with some of the larger denominations. Christian students face many challenges – temptations to immorality and unethical paths to success, false teaching from “Christian” sects and pressure from Muslims. Christian witness has been divided in recent years by unhealthy competition from many other campus fellowships.
c) Peace House, a non-denominational revival and retreat ministry, plays a significant role in encouraging the spiritual life within many professional groups, including pastors. The longstanding ministry of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship supplements this strategic work.
For an additional 14 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
More Information
The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Nigeria.The Southern Zones
Nigeria
See Prayer Information
Challenge for Prayer
The less-reached peoples and areas include:a) The Muslim suburbs (sabongari) in southern towns and cities where Northerners congregate. Very little prayer or outreach is directed to these difficult areas, despite their being much more accessible for witness and loving ministry.
b) Muslim groups among Southern peoples. Yoruba Muslims are influential and constitute over one-fourth of all Yoruba. Muslim missionary efforts and enticements have brought pockets of other Southern peoples to Islam, including some among the Igbo. Pray for specific outreach to these groups; they are the most liberal and open of Nigeria’s Muslims, coexisting more peacefully with Christians and traditional religionists.
c) African traditional religionists, such as followers of Orisha spirituality, Ogun (iron and war) and Osun (the seas), are common in the south and southwest, intermingling beliefs with Christianity and Islam. Such religionists often are responsive to the gospel and the power of Christ, but excising idolatry and spiritism is a much more difficult task.
d) The Niger Delta (SS) and coastal regions. Many peoples live in these virtually inaccessible swampy, riverine areas that are largely bypassed by missions. Christianity is often just a veneer over African traditional religion. Just a few miles from cities with thriving churches lie unreached villages awash with paganism. CMS, CMF and AoG have church-planting ministries in the area; local churches need to be convinced of their own responsibility – and ability – to reach out to these needy places.
e) Other needy areas: the Benin border (SW) and Cross River state (SS), where ethnic religions and secret societies are strong (ECWA/SIM). Edo state is known for significant levels of “sexual networking”, including furnishing many thousands of prostitutes for Europe and Italy in particular.
For an additional 2 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
