Nigeria is a nation where widespread poverty exists in the midst of plenty. Despite immense resources, years of military rule have left the country vulnerable to corruption, economic instability and severe human rights violations. This week, pray for release from all the factors that are holding the country back, and give thanks for progress amid the crises.
Sunday 24 September
Violence in Miango, central Nigeria, escalated in summer 2021, forcing thousands of people from their homes. Tina, a widow with five children, lost her home and farm when they were burnt down. Tearfund’s local partner, Scripture Union West Africa, provided her with a cash grant to start again. ‘God never forgets his people,’ she says. Pray for peace in Miango and across Nigeria.
Monday 25 September
Training from Nigerian Tearfund partner Yola Renewal Foundation about the environment, renewable energy and waste management totally transformed Sylvester’s prospects. He started up his own renewable power business to support his wife and two children. ‘It gives me a sense of fulfilment having acquired these skills,’ he says. Praise God for this breakthrough in Sylvester’s life.
Tuesday 26 September
Families in Kugiya, Jos South, central Nigeria, suffered because there was no clean, safe water source. It’s a densely populated area that has become an urban slum. Local restaurants and markets have to use water from a dirty and unsafe well, which spreads disease. Pray that communities like this across Nigeria would be provided access to clean water.
Wednesday 27 September
Tearfund supported a local partner, Taste, to run water and sanitation training in Kugiya. As a result, local people formed a church savings and loans group and 50 community members are now hygiene promoters. So far, the group has promoted better water storage, cleared waterways and installed a hand pump. Pray that this will lead to improved health for the people of Kugiya.
Thursday 28 September
‘After the training, I became inspired to be part of the solution to the waste problem in my community,’ says Gilbert from Plateau State, Nigeria. Our partner Jos Green Centre encourages young people to take care of their local environment. Ask that the training will lead to a generation of young people determined to live in clean and safe communities.
Friday 29 September
Rhoda, aged 64, from Zagun in Plateau State, suffered in an abusive marriage. Even after her husband died she still struggled with her physical and mental health. Tearfund’s partner Evangelical Church Winning All helped Rhoda through our Transforming Masculinities programme. Give thanks that she says, ‘The project has helped to heal my wounds and built my capacity to transform my community.’
Saturday 30 September
‘Jesus calls us to help our neighbours in need wherever they are and assist however we can,’ says Joseph Aloo, who leads Tearfund’s work in Nigeria. ‘It is not only our duty but our privilege to be God's hands and feet.’ Lord, we lift up the precious people of Nigeria to you. As individual lives and communities are transformed, may this spread to the whole nation. Amen.
