Fulfulde, Borgu in Canada

Introduction / History

Fulanis are among the largest people group in West Africa, but there are few in Canada. They no longer have the dominant cultural position they enjoyed in places like Nigeria. In the 2020s, it seems that a high percentage of African immigrants to Canada are from Nigeria. Borgu Fulfulde people are among them. Though they live in various parts of Canada, these Fulbe people are most likely to be found in Calgary and Toronto, two cities with good job markets.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In deciding which immigrants to admit from developing countries, Canada has favored those with a good education and professional skills. Many of the Fulbe people coming to Canada have advanced college degrees and they are fluent in English. Such people have often excelled economically. They start businesses, work in the IT sector, in law or medicine. Some have excelled as athletes, artists or musicians. Others who aren’t fluent in English face a language barriers; they are usually under-employed.

Though they usually live a more prosperous life than they did in West Africa, Borgu Fulfulde must adjust to many changes in Canada. Personal relationships are different. Many of them must adjust to having a spouse in a different continent and living with a different set of social expectations. Africans assume that the group rises or falls together, but in the West, they must adjust to an individualistic culture.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Borgu Fulfulde are overwhelmingly Muslim. Islam is central to their identity as a people, and they do not welcome spiritual challenges. Those who live in urban parts of Africa or abroad (like Canada) are more likely to follow orthodox Islam than their counterparts in rural Africa.

What Are Their Needs?

The Borgu Fulfulde fear being alone or disliked. They often talk with friends to overcome the feeling of solitude. However, this need for company is concealed in public, as the Fulani tend to hide their feelings. They express such things as love and the need for others through music. Christ followers, especially those with a fondness for Africa-centric music, can reach them for the Christ who offers fellowship with God the Father.

Prayer Points

There are some Fulfulde people who follow Christ in Canada. Pray that they will shine his light in such a way that other West Africans will be attracted to him.
Pray for Borgu Fulfulde leaders in Canada to have dreams and visions of the risen and victorious Christ that will lead them to follow him and no other.
Pray for a people movement to Christ among the Borgu Fulfulde in Canada.

Text Source:   Joshua Project