Agoi, Ibami in Nigeria

Introduction / History

The Agoi people live in Cross River State in southern Nigeria.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In this tropical climate, means of making a living range from subsistence agriculture to urban commerce and transport business. Further employment opportunities lie to the south in the state capital Calabar, often described as the tourist capital of Nigeria.
Education in Cross River began with mother tongue instruction. Now the large number of schools in the state promote learning in the mother tongue along with English. Agoi people use English and Efik, another indigenous language, to communicate with other people groups. Middle-aged and older adults have maintained a proficiency in Agoi, while younger educated people show a preference toward English. However, results of a recent survey described use of the language as vigorously oral, meaning Agoi is used in face-to-face communication across all generations.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Agoi are predominantly Christian, but many local Protestant denominations tend to focus more on social issues than personal salvation.

What Are Their Needs?

The Agoi people need a complete and accurate translation of the Bible.

Prayer Points

Pray for translation to begin in the Agoi language so people can develop a personal relationship with Christ and understand that social justice can only come as individuals are transformed through the word.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to prepare Agoi hearts to receive the word.
Pray for financial and prayer provisions for Bible translation efforts.
Pray for the Lord to show himself mighty as workers deal with spiritual and physical opposition.

Text Source:   Joshua Project