INTRODUCTION:
This particular edition of our newsletter is intended to keep our numerous supporters and Trustees abreast of the latest developments of OLBTP in Bible Translation, Literacy, Scripture Use Promotion, and the entire administrative work of OLBTP.
BIBLE TRANSLATION:
It is interesting to hear that our International Bible Translation Consultant, Dr. Uche E. Aaron, completed checking of all the Old Testament on 28th February, 2011. Catechist I.E. Ene-Awaji is now busy translating the Intertestamental Apocrypha books for the Roman Catholic Church, which will be reviewed by Rev. Father Jerome Etenduk.
It should be recalled that a Reviewers’ Course was held at Agwut Obolo on 27th-28th January, 2011. The Reviewers are now reviewing the Old Testament books. Typesetting of the whole Obolo Bible has been booked for January, 2012 at N.B.T.T., Jos, and the printing will follow in South Koprea next year.
Ogwu Etip (Ecclesiastes) has been published for churches to start using it.
LITERACY:
Indisputably, literacy is at the core of the Project. Thus, we organized a Writers’ Workshop in Agwut Obolo in September last year, for Teachers to learn to write interesting and appropriate materials for the Obolo Language Readers for Primaries 5 and 6. Subsequently these teachers have continued writing materials and have had some meetings to discuss and edit these together. In the process, Mr. Walter Ntedeng, one of our Resource Persons for Teachers’ Workshops, was trained to do editing also. Infact, he had expressed interest to be trained as a Literacy Coordinator to help fill in the vacant position left by late Chief Isotu-Oko. The Committee therefore applied for his transfer to the Ngo mainland, but this has not yet been materialized.
In addition, the second volume of our magazine for children, “Ida Obolo eyi Nsabọn” has been published
Our Literacy Consultant, Mrs. Marianne Aaron, was at Abuja from 22nd to 24th February 2011, for a conference for development organizations, on the invitation of Andoni Cluster Development Foundation. There were government officials as well as officials of funding agencies present.
. SCRIPTURE USE PROMOTION:
The Obolo Jesus Film: Frantic efforts are being made to procure the Obolo Jesus Film VCD in large quantity as demand is increasing.
Faith Comes By Hearing: This is audio Scripture covering all the Obolo New Testament. As people listen to the “Proclaimer,” they hear better, understand better and souls are transformed for Christ. Unfortunately the “Proclaimers” need to be replaced. Please pray for wisdom for us as to what to do.
From 3rd to 5th May 2011, a Church Leaders’ Course “Ifufuk Ikpa Mbuban” was held at Okoroboile. Although the attendance was not as high as expected, the programme was successful.
EASTERN OBOLO BRANCH:
The Eastern Obolo Branch Office is yet to be relocated to a place on the main road for accessibility.
ADMINISTRATION:
The 2010 Annual General Council Meeting was held at Agwut Obolo on 27th December, 2010. The Attendance was encouraging. Due to long distance, another Annual General Council Meeting was held at Okoroete on Tuesday 18th January, 2011. This meeting too was very successful.
Launchings to generate funds for printing Obolo Bible, next year in South Korea are being organized in various communities in Andoni and Eastern Obolo Local Government Areas of Rivers and Akwa Ibom States respectively. In the lead, are Amadaka and Elile communities of Eastern Obolo launching on 21st May, 2011. Efforts are being intensified in various communities to organize launchings.
We rejoice with one of our Trustees and founding members of OLBTP for her elevation to Professorial rank. She is Professor (Mrs) Charity U. Okujagu. Also promoted, are Prof. and Prof (Mrs.) Augustus R. Nte. We recall with delight sometimes last year, we received the good news of the elevation of this couple to Professorial rank. These illustrious son and daughters of Obolo are active supporters of the Project. They have really done us proud.
The staff quarters where our International Consultant, Literacy Consultant and the Production Officer live, is still yet to be painted and furnished.
Another serious challenge facing the Executive committee now is the Registration of OLBTP with the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja. To this end, the EXCO is up and doing in updating the Constitution of OLBTP for the exercise. Also, a crucial meeting of the Trustees and Executive Committee will soon be convened to discuss the way forward of the Project especially when the translation work comes to an end and our Consultants/Advisors will be away from Obolo Land.
FINANCE:
We are delighted about the kind donations of our numerous supporters. It is our earnest prayer that the Almighty God will grant the donors His protection and abundant blessings in Jesus Precious Name, Amen.
We are also appealing to well meaning sons and daughters of Obolo at home and abroad to donate generously to OLBTP for the printing of Obolo Bible overseas and for the further development of our Language. The printing and transportation cost is estimated to be N10 million.
Account No. 502543348110, Guaranty Trust Bank PLC; Aba Road, Port Harcourt. We are assuring all Obolo people that every Kobo that comes to OLBTP, by the grace of God, will be judiciously used for the purpose and progress of the Project.
PRAISES:
We are thanking God for:
- Promotions of Prof and Prof (Mrs.) A. R. Nte and Prof (Mrs.) Charity U. Okujagu to Professorial rank.
- God’s continued sustenance of the project.
- Good health of our International Translation Consultant and our Literacy Consultant.
- Peaceful conduct of election in our country Nigeria and in the two Obolo L.G.A.s.
PRAYERS:
We should pray for:
- Solution of the problem in NBTT at Jos, Plateau State.
- Quick recovery of our Project Coordinator – Sir I. A. Etete from eye surgery and Miss Florence Joseph our staff, who has been seriously ill since November/December and unable to work.
- Committed Literacy Coordinators of the Project and for the transfer of Mr. W. Ntedeng to a nearby school.
- A good Sales Coordinator
- More sponsors of Obolo Project, to meet up 2012 target year of dedication of the complete Obolo Bible.
- Good health of our International Translation Consultant and Literacy Consultant, Trustees, Translators, Executive Committee Members, and staff of OLBTP.
- For good functioning of the equipment of the Project.
- For replacement of the “Proclaimers” for the Faith Comes by Hearing Bible listening program.
- Andoni and Eastern Obolo Local Government Councils, for continued support.
- Leaders in our churches, communities, Local Government Area Council and the world at large.
Address:
Obolo Language Translation Office, Agwut Obolo, Andoni L.G.A., Rivers State. Phone: 08051879586, 07062518865.
Branch Office:
Civic Centre Okorombokho
Eastern Obolo Local Government Area
Akwa Ibom State.
