New communication center aids learning in Nigeria

A new communications center will enable United Methodists in Nigeria to communicate more effectively with one another and with the global church.

The office was commissioned May 30 by Bishop John Wesley Yohanna, leader of the Nigeria Episcopal Area, and Dan Krause, top staff executive of United Methodist Communications. The center is in the administrative building of the church’s episcopal area offices in Jalingo, Taraba State.

Good communication is a must in the church, Bishop Yohanna said. The day before the dedication, he described how the world was created through communication, as God spoke creation into existence.

The bishop thanked the communication agency for its funding support for the center. United Methodist Communications provided $11,500 for the purchase of 10 laptops, a projector, copier and printer, smart board, internet connectivity, and one year of communication staffing support.

“Communication is the heart of the church, and it’s the heart of our faith,” Krause said. Methodism’s co-founder, John Wesley, “would be very passionate about communication today” and would be using the new technology to reach people, he said.

Leaders from Nigeria’s four conferences attended the commissioning, along with staff from United Methodist Communications. The center is open to church members, staff and the general public.

Bishop John Wesley Yohanna, leader of The United Methodist Church in Nigeria, speaks during the dedication of the new communications center in Jalingo on May 30, 2019. Listening at far left is Dan Krause, top staff executive of United Methodist Communications, along with staff member Tafadzwa Mudambanuki, center. Photo by Tim Tanton, UM News. 
Bishop John Wesley Yohanna, leader of The United Methodist Church in Nigeria, speaks during the dedication of the new communications center in Jalingo on May 30, 2019. Listening at far left is Dan Krause, top staff executive of United Methodist Communications, along with staff member Tafadzwa Mudambanuki, center. Photo by Tim Tanton, UM News. 

The office will enable the church’s staff to learn how to connect via the internet, use Microsoft tools and other resources, and communicate in ways that advance the mission of the church, said the Rev. Ande Emmanuel, assistant to the bishop. The church in Nigeria has more than 180 staff – primarily office staff and heads of programs and boards with the episcopal area’s four conferences, he said.

The world has advanced in technology, said the Rev. Yunusa Z. Usman, conference administrative assistant to the bishop, North East Nigeria Conference. He said he will find two weeks on his schedule to learn computer basics so that he can communicate better.

Joy Julius Sylvester, the director of communication for the episcopal area and director of the center, said the facility will be used for training and development of staff, and it will enable better connection among the conference communication directors. “It will bridge the gap we have always been having” in communication, she said.

Peter Ngai, lay leader, Southern Nigeria Conference, agreed.

Dan Krause, top staff executive of United Methodist Communications in Nashville, Tenn., and Bishop John Wesley Yohanna, head of the Nigeria Episcopal Area, cut the ribbon during the dedication of the new communications center in Jalingo, Nigeria, on May 30, 2019. Photo by Tim Tanton, UM News. 
Dan Krause, top staff executive of United Methodist Communications in Nashville, Tenn., and Bishop John Wesley Yohanna, head of the Nigeria Episcopal Area, cut the ribbon during the dedication of the new communications center in Jalingo, Nigeria, on May 30, 2019. Photo by Tim Tanton, UM News. 

“One of the most effective ways of bringing development is through the empowerment of people through communications, which aid learning and grow our relationship with others,” he said.

The Rev. Yayuba Beziel Yoila, conference administrative assistant to the bishop, Southern Nigeria Conference, stated that he can now visit the new UMCResource website with ease.

Driver Jalo, director of the council on ministries for the Southern Nigeria Conference, said the opening of the center has created an environment for learning and communication, and it will be a blessing for those who don’t have computer knowhow.

Sharon Adamu Bambuka is director of communications for the Southern Nigeria Annual Conference. Tim Tanton, chief news officer of United Methodist Communications, contributed to this report.

News media contact: Tim Tanton at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free Daily or Weekly Digests.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Theology and Education
Student Tanaka Chamburuka is surrounded by proud teachers and family after winning the top academic prize for his grade level at Seke 1 High School in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe. From left are teacher Brenda Chawanji; Sarudzai Chamburuka, Tanaka’s mother; Tanaka; and teacher Rita Gondo. The United Methodist Church in the Chitungwiza Marondera District provided prizes for top students in memory of church member Esnath Ginnah Kadenge, a longtime English teacher at the school. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Teacher’s legacy creates church, school partnership

United Methodists help Zimbabwe school revive awards ceremony with gifts donated in memory of former teacher and church member.
Global Health
Pierre Kenga (not pictured) traveled more than 80 kilometers from the village of Dikwadjondo in Sankuru province to the United Methodist-affiliated Tunda General Hospital in Tunda, Congo, with his wife (seated) and his sister (lying down). The hospital is attracting more patients from distant regions. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News.

Hospital provides beacon of hope in Eastern Congo

Thanks to new buildings and equipment, Tunda General Hospital attracts patients from far and wide, bringing care to a remote region.
Bishops
Father Emmanuel Katongole, a Catholic priest and theologian who previously worked at Duke Divinity School, addresses the United Methodist Council of Bishops, meeting this week at Epworth by the Sea Conference Center in St. Simons Island, Ga. At the invitation of the bishops’ Anti-Racism Leadership Team, Katongole spoke of the challenges racism and tribalism present to Christians. Photo by Rick Wolcott, Council of Bishops.

Bishops hear call to be an ‘Ephesians church’

On U.S. Election Day, United Methodist bishops heard about the ongoing work of overcoming racism and tribalism. A theologian urged them to look to the Bible for guidance.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2024 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved