Okpe-Idesa in Nigeria
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| People Name: | Okpe-Idesa |
| Country: | Nigeria |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 12,000 |
| World Population: | 12,000 |
| Primary Language: | Idesa |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 25.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 6.00 % |
| Scripture: | Translation Started |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | No |
| People Cluster: | Guinean |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Idesa is a stable indigenous language of Nigeria belonging to the Niger-Congo family. It is part of an Edoid cluster of languages, which include Okpe, Idesa, Oloma and Akuku. Okpe and Idesa people live in close proximity to one another and are considered to be of the same ethnic group. Translation has begun in the Okpe language, but not in Idesa.
Idesa is spoken in the Akoko-Edo LGA (Local Government Areas) in Edo State. The area is marked by chains of ancient ridges, of rugged rocky hills, and a cave, stretching across the length and breadth of the region. The beautiful hills are believed to be products of volcanic eruption.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The main occupations of the Okpe-Idesa people are farming, hunting and craftmanship. Women work in palm oil and garri (flour made from cassava root) production, and some are weavers. Other people engage in small trading businesses. The New Yam Festival is an important event celebrated to thank God for a bountiful harvest. Taboo is an important concept in their culture. People avoid forbidden behaviors that may result in unpleasant consequences.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Christianity was introduced in the area in the 19th century. Though a small percentage have become Christians, and many have adopted Western weddings and education customs, the majority follow African Traditional Religion. Animism, a belief that natural physical entities such as animals, plants, and even inanimate objects possess a spiritual essence, is its core concept.
What Are Their Needs?
Idesa is thought to be the first language used by all in the ethnic community. It is not taught in schools. The multilingualism of this people group needs to be analyzed to determine in what domains Idesa, English, Pidgin English, and neighboring languages are being used. Community leaders, who may be interested in language development to preserve their
language, could attend available workshops that would expose them to language vitality and potential short-term development and translation projects.
Prayer Points
Pray Idesa speakers will engage with Scripture that is available in other languages and assess their level of understanding of those Scriptures to determine their translation needs.
Pray Okpe-Idesa community and church leaders will pursue oral or written translation projects to provide their people with God’s word in their heart language.