HISTORICAL SNIPPETS 004
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The effort to translate the Bible into Igede Language started in the mid- 60s. The New Testament was translated and published in 1980; with Reverend John Adima as the key translator. The translation of the Old Testament started in 1990 by Reverend John Adima before he left the shores of Nigeria. A total of 9 translators worked on the Old Testament and the review of the New Testament; they are Reverend James Okah, Reverend Moses Eje, Very Reverend Jarius Alobo, Mr. Mike Ochuokpa, Reverend Matthew Atee, Mr. Kingston O. Ona, Reverend Peter Onah, and Mr. Godwin Alobo who died in June 2011. Only Reverend Peter Onah stayed till the completion of the project. Mr. Okaje Uke and sister Jane Ijwo keyboard the manuscript.
Similarly, 6 translation consultant supervised the project at one time and another. Among them were: Dr. Rob Koops, Dr. Yetunde Ofulue, Prof. Andy Warren, two of the consultant Dr. David Moomo and Reverend Stephen Mundat died at the process in 2009 and 2011 respectively. While the consultant that saw the Bible to completion, Mr. Aroga Bessong died on 20th April, 2014 about 10 days to the dedication and presentation of the Bible. The complete Igede Bible was dedicated and presented by THE BIBLE SOCIETY OF NIGERIA TO IGEDE PEOPLE ON 1ST MAY,2014 IN OJU BENUE STATE. Igede Bible is the 21st in Nigeria to be translated to indigenous language and the 2nd in Benue after the Tiv Bible.
To God be all the glory, it is a privilege to have God Almighty talk to us in our mother’s tongue. May we not take the opportunity for granted. Do you have this Bible at all in your home?
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