Welcome to MU Coventry Diocese

About the Diocesan Link

Dutse

After lurching from one military coup to another, Nigeria now has an elected leadership. But it faces the growing challenge of preventing Africa's most populous country from breaking apart along ethnic and religious lines.

Political liberalisation ushered in by the return to civilian rule in 1999 has allowed militants from religious and ethnic groups to express their frustrations more freely, and with increasing violence.

NIGERIA FACTS
Population: 124 million (UN, 2003)
Capital: Abuja
Major languages: English (official), Yoruba, Ibo, Hausa
Major religions: Islam, Christianity, indigenous beliefs
Life expectancy: 51 years (men), 52 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 Nigerian naira = 100 kobo
Main exports: Petroleum, petroleum products, cocoa, rubber
Average annual income: US $290 (World Bank, 2001)

Information courtesy of BBCi

Diocese of Dutse, Nigeria

Diocesan President: Fibi Lumu
2005 Report:

Dutse is a missionary diocese situated in the north of Nigeria, so their activities are orientated towards mission, and preparation of Members for grassroots evangelism. At diocesan level they have a project, started in 2003 to open a Vocational Centre in Dutse.

Once again, Dutse and the whole of this area of Nigeria has been plagued by riots and religious unrest. Over the past two years, Canon Andrew White and others from Coventry Diocese have visited Kaduna and Dutse and reported on the problems there, and the attempts by religious leaders to bring peace and reconciliation.

It was agreed during 2002 to form an unofficial link with Kaduna Diocese, as the Bishop Josiah, and his wife, Comfort are often in the UK. Coventry Diocese has an official link with Kaduna, and Dutse is a small diocese formed out of Kaduna. Following a visit by Bishop Anthony and Rev Yvonne Richmond from Kenilworth, a correspondent was appointed to keep in touch with Kaduna, and hopefully to get more news from Dutse than the occasional letters from Fibi to Gill James.

Following a letter from Fibi asking for financial help with a vocational centre in Dutse, an application was made to the Worldwide Grants Committee at Mary Sumner House, and at the end of 2003, a grant of £1,600 was agreed. In November 2003 Rev Peter Watkins and Rev Charlotte Gale are visiting Kaduna, and may also meet the Lumus.