Nigeria: NBTT Translates Bible in 21 Northern Languages

Raymond Gukas

4 June 2011

Jos — Determined to ensure the translation of the Holy Bible into different minority languages in the country, the Nigeria Bible Translation Trust (NBTT), Jos, Plateau State has so far translated the New Testament into 21 different languages in the northern part of the country.

This was disclosed by the executive director of NBTT, Sule Auta at the end of a three-week intensive consultant-checking workshop, which brought together 80 participants and foreign consultants.

He added that the NBTT has so far concluded four of such series of workshops, which he said was "able to bring together some renowned Bible scholars and Translation consultants available in the world".

The Executive Director said the body is also training future indigenous consultants to achieve its desire of translating the Holy book in the 515 "identified ethnic groups of Nigeria out of which the NBTT is currently involved in 78".

According to him, a similar workshop is being planned for the Old Testament translation track "which participants of about 10 Old Testament translation projects are expected to attend"

Also in a remark at the closing ceremony, a participant consultant, Dr. David Heath expressed delight with the progress so far recorded in the translation project, saying that though the Bible "is nothing but a book, people must be encouraged to have God's words with them" as that is the reason for the translation into languages.

He noted that over 200 languages in the country are yet to have translation of the Holy book in their respective languages, and they are encouraged to be part of this all important project.

In his remarks, Dr. Ian Hollman said the NBTT will ensure that its 2015 goals to improve translation process programme will be achieved because NBTT is making progress

Represented by Rev. Mark Gaddis, he said he was delighted that participants "have shown strong desire" in order to have success of the programme and project. He then prayed that Nigeria will grow more capacity to continue to assist in the project.

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