Working in The Province of Nigeria

The Province of Nigeria was formed in 1979, and now has ten ecclesiastical provinces, with 91+ dioceses. There is a large membership and projects range from health projects, to agricultural support and literacy groups, and income generating schemes operate in many dioceses.

Depending on the diocese, needs are quite different. Many parts up to the north of Nigeria are governed under Shariah (Islamic) law. This exposes the church to quite a few challenges and Mothers' Union here is key in providing members with invaluable fellowship and support. Christians can be persecuted for their belief in this region and Mothers' Union strives to encourage and equip people in their faith.

Literacy and Basic life skills classes have been hugely effective, in a practical way, enebling members to reach people in their communities and help build a trust that benefits the local area prone to religious tension. Farming is difficult in this area too, as characteristically of the North much of the land is desert, making farming hard with low yields. Members have established centres where people can learn alternative skills to farming, in the hope many can broaden their skill base and support themselves and their family when farming becomes difficult.

Unlike the North, dioceses in the east and west of Nigeria boast a better climate ensuring the surrounding countryside is more lush,making farming easier. Diocesan projects in this area have encouraged communities to generate income through poultry farming, palm oil and cassava processing.

In a country where ethnic and religious tensions can run high, the role of women in Nigerian society can be difficult. The work by members in this country really does empower manywho may not ordinarily have the opportunity to attend courses, or even have fellowship with others. The sense of empowerment, which can be felt through working on, or setting up a project for their community is truly invaluable to many of these women.

With the help of a grant from the Mothers' Union overseas fund, Akure Diocese in west Nigeria organised training for 25 members. Held over three days, members covered topics such as HIV/AIDS, gender disparity, problem solving and decision-making, media awareness and cultural patterns. Enthused, members were asked to return to their local communities and share their learning by facilitating their own training events thus empowering themselves and ensuring all knowledge is passed down to the grass roots!