Gana-Gana in Nigeria

The Gana-Gana have only been reported in Nigeria
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Gana-Gana people, located in Nigeria, have a history that is intertwined with the broader dynamics of the region. They are linked to ancient migrations, and they have historically interacted with neighboring ethnic groups through trade and alliances. The Gana-Gana have experienced various socio-political changes over the centuries, including the impact of colonialism and the spread of Islam in the region.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Gana-Gana people primarily rely on agriculture for their livelihood, cultivating crops such as millet, sorghum and yams. Small-scale trading and animal husbandry also contribute to their economy.

Villages are typically composed of family compounds, with houses constructed from local materials like mud and thatch. Social structures are organized around extended families, with elders playing a significant role in decision-making processes. Daily life involves communal activities, and traditional crafts such as pottery and weaving are still practiced.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Islam is the predominant religion among the Gana-Gana people, and Islamic practices influence many aspects of their daily lives. Religious leaders hold considerable authority, guiding both spiritual and social matters within the community. Despite the dominance of Islam, elements of traditional beliefs persist, particularly in the veneration of ancestors and the observance of certain rituals associated with nature. These traditional practices often coexist with Islamic customs.


What Are Their Needs?

The Gana-Gana people face challenges related to access to basic services. Healthcare facilities and educational opportunities are limited, particularly in rural areas. Economic development beyond subsistence agriculture is needed to provide sustainable livelihoods and improve living standards. Infrastructure such as roads and communication networks require significant improvement to enhance connectivity and access to resources. Additionally, initiatives that address food security and the environmental impacts of agriculture are crucial for the long-term well-being of the Gana-Gana people.


Prayer Points

Pray that God sends many loving workers to the Gana-Gana people.
Pray that God would work in the hearts of the Gana-Gana to give them a hunger to hear God's word, a solid understanding of Jesus Christ, and the determination to believe the message regardless of the cost.
Pray for Christian believers to be strong in the face of any form of persecution.


Scripture Prayers for the Gana-Gana in Nigeria.


References

Nigeria Cultural Foundation. (2023). Ethnographic Overview of the Gana-Gana People. Retrieved from nigeriaculturalfoundation.org
UNDP Nigeria. (2023). Development Challenges in Rural Nigeria. Retrieved from in.undp.org


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Gana-Gana
People Name in Country Gana-Gana
Alternate Names Abawa; Agesi; Ganagana
Population this Country 163,000
Population all Countries 163,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 3
PeopleID3 11553
ROP3 Code 102596
Country Nigeria
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 6  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Niger state: Lapai, Agaie, and Katcha LGAs; Abuja Capital Territory, Abaji LGA, areas along Gurare river.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Nigeria
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 6  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Niger state: Lapai, Agaie, and Katcha LGAs; Abuja Capital Territory, Abaji LGA, areas along Gurare river..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Map of Gana-Gana in Nigeria Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 2.00 %)
3.00 %
Ethnic Religions
5.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
92.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Dibo (163,000 speakers)
Language Code dio   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Dibo (163,000 speakers)
Language Code dio   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Dibo

Primary Language:  Dibo

Bible Translation Status:  Unspecified

Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Photo Source Copyrighted © 2024  GoWestAfrica  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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