PRAY FOR NIGERIA

Nigeria is located in West Africa. It is only 40% larger than Texas, but has a population of over 218 million compared to the 25 million people in Texas. It is the most populous country in Africa, and the world's sixth-most populous country. Nigeria has more than 250 ethnic groups speaking 500 distinct languages. English is the official language. The three largest tribes are the Hausa in the north, Yoruba in the west, and Igbo in the east, together comprising over 60% of the total population. Nigeria's constitution ensures freedom of religion, and the country is divided roughly in half between Muslims, who live mostly in the north, and Christians, who live mostly in the south.

Christians in Nigeria, particularly in the Muslim-majority north, live under the constant threat of kidnapping and murder from radical Islamic groups such as Boko Haram and criminals who face few consequences. More believers are killed for their faith in Nigeria than in the rest of the world combined. Of the 4,998 Christians murdered throughout the world in 2023, 82% were Nigerian (Open Doors). Some of Nigeria’s northern states live under Islamic Shariah law where Christians face discrimination and are treated as second-class citizens. Christians who convert from Islam face rejection from their families, are often pressured to recant their faith in Jesus, and may be violently attacked.
 
RiverLakes Church has partnered with International Christian Ministries (ICM) in Africa for over three decades. ICM Nigeria was established in 2005 where it is known as VICM (Vision International Christian Ministries). Rev. Francis Olubambi has served as National Director since the ministry’s inception.  VICM serves twelve West African countries by providing sound Biblical theological training for pastors and church leaders.