Dadiya speakers live in the eastern mountains and plains of Nigeria's Gombe State and in neighboring areas of Taraba State. Families grow grain, peanuts, beans, rice and cotton. Most use traditional methods to till the ground and grow just enough to eat. Farmers typically use ox-drawn plows to plant their fields.
In 1930, Christian missionaries arrived and were received positively. Early Christians spread the Gospel to surrounding regions. Today, about 40 percent of Dadiya speakers are believers. About the same percentage are members of another major faith; others continue following traditional African religious practices.
In 1999, two older women called on a local pastor to discuss Bible translation into the Dadiya mother tongue. He met with his church and Dadiya speakers from other states and found immediate interest.
The result was a successful Luke Partnership project, completed in 2008. That project produced Luke's Gospel and the "JESUS" film. It also helped train translators. Local churches have endorsed, assisted and helped fund this Dadiya translation at every stage.
Life has been difficult in the Dadiya region. The Dadiya people and some neighboring groups are embroiled in an ongoing land dispute. Homes have been burned, and some families have endured significant loss.
Scripture Prayers for the Dadiya, Dadianci in Nigeria.
| Profile Source: Anonymous |
