BSN to launch Obolo/Andoni language Bible BY CHARLES SOLOMON

The people of Eastern Obolo in Akwa Ibom State and their Kinsmen in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State will soon be reading the Holy Scripture in their native dialect as the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), has concluded the translation of the Holy Bible to the Obolo/Andoni language.
The State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Dr. Sylvanus Ukafia, made this disclosure while speaking at this year’s Biennial/Special members’ forum of the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), Akwa Ibom Area. 

The Clergy man stated that the mission and essence of the BSN is to publish and distribute God’s word to every part of the country and that in line with its mission, the society has concluded the translation of the Bible into various Nigerian languages, adding that arrangements have reached advanced stage for the launching of the Obolo translation of the Holy Bible. He expressed delight at the involvement of the two state and local governments in the project. “Very soon, people in Eastern Obolo and Andoni will have the Obolo translation of the Bible. The essence of the Bible Society of Nigeria is to give people the benefit of hearing the Gospel and going to heaven. Our consultants, the two communities involved are fully committed to the Obolo/Andoni translation of the Bible and very soon we are going to launch it, so that people in the village will have the benefit of reading the gospel” Ukafia stated.

In an address at the event which was held on Friday 20th June, 2014 at the Presbyterian Church, Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo, Very Rev. Elijah Udo, the State Area Chairman of the Bible Society of Nigeria, stated that making the Bible available and affordable requires the financial support of all Christians and therefore charged individuals and groups to make financial donations to the society so as to ensure the continuous availability of the Bible to help people interact with the word of God.
Very Rev. Elijah Udo enumerated the challenges facing BSN to include the lack of a warehouse for the storage of the Bibles and that of a functional vehicle. “May I use this opportunity to inform you of our predicaments for effective distribution of the Bible and other scriptural needs of our Christian families. This organisation needs a functional vehicle, office accommodation for effective duties, a warehouse for the storage of the Bibles and money to help clear our consignment at Lagos and Aba depots” he told the gathering.

In acknowledgement and appreciation of individuals who have over the years contributed to the success of BSN, the organization presented awards to several individuals at the occasion. Among them was the Prelate Emeritus of Methodist Church Nigeria, his Eminence, Dr. Sunday Mbang for his pivotal role in the distribution of the Bible in Nigeria.

The Senior Special Adviser to the state Governor on Project Monitoring and Bureau of Technical Matters, Dr. Enefiok Edem also received an award for his immense contribution to the organisation while the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. (Mrs.) Comfort Ekpo was awarded for her commitment to the work of the Bible Society of Nigeria.

Other Awardees included: Archbishop Cletus Bassey, Dr. Sylvanus Ukafia, Apostle O.A Udo Inyang, Most Rev. Sunday Dickson Essien, Sir Adasi Ubulum, Pst. Praise Okon, Elder Bassey Nsa Bassey and Barrister Israel Afia, Rector of Akwa Ibom state Polytechnic.