Where We Serve / Kukele Bible Translation
Kukele Bible Translation
Continue Old Testament translation while sustaining literacy and Scripture engagement across Kukele communities.
Bible Translation
Country
- Nigeria
Region
- West Africa
Language Population
180,000
Beyond Translation: Developing Language and Community
Following completion of the New Testament, the Kukele translation team is working on Old Testament drafts while continuing Scripture engagement through literacy classes and listening groups.
Equip Local Leaders & Churches
We support Kukele community leaders as they translate eight Old Testament books, operate literacy programs in five villages, and develop Scripture engagement initiatives that will transform lives through heart-language Scripture access.
Program Goals
- Continue Old Testament Translation
- Maintain community and church engagement
- Sustain Scripture engagement and literacy activities
- Continue developing local translation capacity
Kukele Bible Translation Program Plan
Step 1
Advance Old Testament Translation
- Continue translation and checking processes for Old Testament books
- Work on first drafts and checking stages for selected Old Testament books, including Job, Ecclesiastes, and Jeremiah
- Continue team checking and keyboarding for books already in progress
- Prepare books for future consultant checking as progress allows
Step 2
Strengthen Community Engagement
- Continue planning toward a future Translation Day celebration
- Continue visits and meetings with church leaders
- Maintain literacy classes currently operating in Kukele villages
- Sustain Scripture listening and reading groups where active
Step 3
Build Sustainable Capacity
- Continue identifying and training additional translators and reviewers
- Prepare for future Scripture media initiatives as capacity allows
- Explore local support options for long‑term program sustainability
Meet the Local Team
Team Members
• Odey Innocent Ilom – Chairman
• Lukpata John – Financial Secretary
• Ijar Simeon – Public Relations Officer
• Achadu Gregory Ebiale – Secretary
• Ikade Vincent Okpako – Treasurer
• Owalum Paul – Team MemberTeam Members
• Lom Peter Udama – Translator
• Mathew Okata – Translator
• Owalum Clement – Translator
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. He studied at the University of Calabar and has been involved in Bible translation work since 2000.
Rev. Chuck & Karen Tessaro
Rev. Chuck and Karen Tessaro first set foot in Nigeria, where there are over 500 different language groups, in 1985. They serve with multiple local translation teams including the Old Testament teams for the Ikwerre, Yala, Kukele and Gokana languages. These teams also promote literacy and serve in their local community as teachers and helpers.
Partner Organizations
Honoring the Language
Nigeria has 500 indigenous languages.
The Ukele people group is considered part of the sub-Saharan peoples.
Since pockets of the Kukele language are found in the Efic and Agwagwune, Yakurr, Bahumono, Bakor, and Agbo groups of languages in Cross River State, they are presumed to have the same migrational history associated with the Bantu.
Program Progress
Regional News & Media
Help Bring Scripture to Life
Your donation helps translate God’s Word into the Kukele language. Every gift makes a difference.