Introduction / History

The Ibibio language is probably one of the mother languages of the ancient proto-Bantu nation. They are related to the Annang, Eket, Oron, Igbo, Efik and a cluster of some notable ethnic groups.

During Nigeria s colonial era, the Ibibio Union envisaged the need to unite as one nation thus the request for recognition by the British as a sovereign nation (Noah, 1988). The Annang, Efik, Eket, Oron and Ibeno, and many others do share personal names, culture, cuisine and traditions with the Ibibio and speak closely related (dialects) of Ibibio, which are more or less mutually intelligible.

Ibibio is both an ethnic and a linguistic term. All the Ibibio people speak and understand the Ibibio language. The dialectal differences among the various Ibibio groups can be attributed largely to the long period of territorial isolation over a long period of time. Linguistic homogeneity decreases with the rise in population and with the expansion of the occupied area. With reduced interaction, the speakers of Ibibio tend to form variants of their language.

The Ibibio origin is highly speculative and varied. They might have been amongst the earliest inhabitants of Nigeria. It is estimated that they arrived at their present home around 7000 B.C. It is not clear when the Ibibio arrived in their current locations. Upon emigrating Cameroon, the Ibibios arrived at their present location following two major directions. One major group reached Nigeria by an overland route and settled at Ibom in Arochukwu.

Today, the vast majority of the Ibibio live in Nigeria, but some live in Cameroon, Ghana and Equatorial Guinea.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Ibibios cultivate yams, taro and cassava as their staple foods. For export, they grow palm trees for kernels and oil.

Their living compounds include numerous single-family homes surrounding a courtyard. They are known for their excellent wood carvings and wooden masks.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Ibibios have powerful secret societies, some led by women, others by men. They have ritual duties which involve guarding ancestral shrines. Ibibios believe in an afterlife where people live much like they do in this world.

A high percentage of the Ibibos are Christians, both traditional and Evangelical.

What Are Their Needs?

They can easily be used by God to be Christ bearers to other parts of West Africa. They need the Holy Spirit to direct them towards evangelism and discipleship.

Prayer Points

Pray for revival in Ibibo churches, leading them to a closer walk with Jesus and a desire to spread his goodness to others.
Pray for thousands of Ibibo disciples to make more disciples throughout West Africa.
Pray for them to experience the blessings of God and be thankful.
Pray for the Lord to give them a record-high crop as a testimony of his favor and power.

Scripture Prayers for the Ibibio in Cameroon.

References

Archibong Eyo Okon
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibibio_people
https://wap.org.ng/read/origin-of-ibibio-people/
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ibibio