BokyiScripture Engagement
The Boki of southern Nigeria are revitalizing their language through targeted literacy programs, creating pathways for deeper Scripture engagement and community empowerment.
Scripture Engagement
Country
- Nigeria
Region
- West Africa
Language Population
275,000
Bridging the Scripture Access Gap
Despite having a full Bible translation, low literacy rates create significant barriers for Bokyi speakers engaging with God’s Word.
increasing Access
Since 2012, we’ve supported the Bokyi Language Committee in revitalizing their linguistic heritage through literacy education, Scripture resources, and community engagement.
Your partnership empowers local Bokyi leaders to create sustainable literacy programs, Scripture listening groups, and cultural preservation initiatives.
Program Goals
- Train literacy teachers in five Boki communities, expanding language education and Scripture engagement capabilities.
- Develop Scripture listening and reading groups through targeted workshops, church leader meetings, and community awareness initiatives.
- Strengthen local leadership by supporting the Bokyi Language Committee’s strategic development and community outreach.
Bokyi Scripture Engagement Program Plan
Step 1
Develop Literacy Capacity
- Train teachers in five Boki communitiesÂ
- Create language learning resourcesÂ
- Engage local education stakeholdersÂ
Step 2
Expand Scripture EngagementÂ
- Sustain existing reading groupsÂ
- Launch new listening and reading groupsÂ
- Conduct community workshopsÂ
Step 3
Strengthen Community LeadershipÂ
- Support Bokyi Language CommitteeÂ
- Build local Scripture engagement skillsÂ
- Create awareness and ownershipÂ
Meet the Local Team
Team members
• Six literacy teachers
• 11 Scripture Engagement workers
• The committee for the mobilizations
Organizational Partner
• The Boki Education Authority
REV. Linus Otronyi
Rev. Linus Otronyi grew up in the rural village of Iboko, in the Yala-speaking area of northern Cross River State, Nigeria. Rev. Linus is an ordained pastor with the Lutheran Church of Nigeria and serves as an International Associate with Lutheran Bible Translators.
Partner Organizations
Honoring the Language
Bokyi: A Linguistic HeritageÂ
• 143,700 speakers in Nigeria
• Located in central Cross River State’s Okundi region
• Utilizes alphabetic script—a distinctive feature among African languages
• Comprises twelve unique dialectsÂ
• Second language in Cross River State to receive a complete Bible translation
Program Progress
The Bokyi Language Committee continues to interact with the local Education Authority and other stakeholders to see that Bokyi is taught in the primary schools.
