ACN Nigeria Project Visit – Day 1

Having touched down in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, late yesterday, we spent the night at a centre run by the country’s Catholic Bishops’ Conference. This morning we got up early to prepare to set off for Sokoto, in the far, north-west. For most people, Sokoto is completely off the map. We always knew that getting there was going to be a challenge but nothing quite prepared me for the journey we were to take. For what seemed like forever, we were waiting for the green light to go to the airport. Suddenly, the signal came through and we are rushed through security and in next to no time we are standing next to the plane with the Bishop of Sokoto Dr Matthew Kukah, waiting to seating adjustments to be made so we could board the flight. With the logistics in place we clambered aboard and were promptly told the Deputy Governor of Sokoto no less was practically in the row behind.

As we arrived in Sokoto, we are told the outside temperature is 35C. As we drove through the dusty streets, the bishop described the challenges Christians face in an area where they are a minority (just two percent) and where Shari’a Islamic law is in place. Christians suffer discrimination be it in school or the workplace, or when they are trying to access healthcare or other public services. The bishop told me: “When people here talk about persecution, they don’t mean people go around trying to kill people, it’s the more subtle form of persecution that results from people being denied their rights.”

This afternoon, we received a special visit – from Sister Justina Nnajiofor OP, Prioress General of the Dominican Sisters, who made the long and dangerous journey from Gesau, the capital of Zamfara State, one of the most dangerous parts of the country. Rampant kidnapping and militant extremism mean the Sisters are on constant alert in case of violence. Sr Justina was determined to come personally to thank ACN for training Sisters, building a convent and providing a vehicle – all vital for their work providing schooling, student accommodation and a witness to Christ in a sometimes hostile environment. She said: “The faith of the people is strong because we are there. And we are there because of the help you are giving us. We just want to say: ‘Thank you so much. Please be assured of our prayers.’”
It’s been a whirlwind of day – so much to take in, so much to be thankful for, so many signs of ACN’s presence… and the trip has only just begun.