The United Methodist Church in Nigeria has taken at step towards promoting food security, economic empowerment, and sustainable development in the church and the country with the launch of a ₦2.5 billion naira investment in agriculture and evangelism
This initiative, which was unveiled in a ceremony held on August 12th, 2025 at Jalingo, Taraba State was attended by distinguished clergy, esteemed members of the church, government officials traditional rulers , and partners in ministry, is part of the church’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Bishop Ande Emmanuel, the Resident Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria and Mission Districts of Cameroon and Senegal, delivered a welcome address, highlighting the significance of the program. “This initiative is not just a project; it is a statement of faith, a strategic plan, and a legacy for generations to come,” he said. “Today, we will commission our team and hand over equipment for them to carry out this mission.”
The program includes the purchase of two brand new tractors, 12 brand new motorcycles, two Toyota Highlanders, and sets of computers and printers.
The Bishop Said the church will also cultivate 60 hectares of rice farms, establish cattle fattening operations, and set up a piggery project. Additionally, the program will support local missionaries and open new places of worship in the South-South and South-East regions.
The church aims to achieve several goals through this program, including reducing dependence on Sunday offerings, building financial sustainability, improving the economic life of members, and creating jobs for youth.
Bishop Emmanuel expressed gratitude to members of the church for their improvement in apportionment and Conefa giving, as well as to partners in the General Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Communications, General Board of Discipleship, General Board of Church and Society, and the Council of Bishops for their support.
The Yambasu Agriculture Initiative (YAI), which was established in 2020 in honor of the legacy and vision of the late Bishop John Kojo Yambasu, has been instrumental in promoting agriculture sustainability in Africa. Since its inception, the program has achieved notable success, including granting over $4.3 million to annual conferences across Africa, training 70 staff from 15 annual conferences, and promoting diversified farming practices.
The Director of the Yambasu Agricultural Initiative, Dr. Patrick K. Kefas, PhD, briefed stakeholders on the program’s objectives and achievements. He emphasized the importance of prudent handling of resources and proper use of funds by beneficiaries. “This scheme cannot be sustained without the proper use of resources by the management team,” he said. “We expect beneficiaries to do everything possible to ensure proper use of resources and take every step to liaise to work with program officials for better results.”
The launch of the agricultural investment program is seen as a significant step towards achieving the United Methodist Church in Nigeria’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The program is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of members and the broader community, promoting food security, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.
Bishop Emmanuel urged members to work together to ensure the success of the program and to prioritize prudent handling of resources. “This initiative is a statement of faith and a plan for the future,” he said. “We must work together to ensure that we achieve our goals and make a positive impact on our community.”
The United Methodist Church in Nigeria is confident that this program will make a significant impact in the lives of its members and the broader community. With the support of Global Ministries and the commitment of its members, the church is poised to promote food security, economic empowerment, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
The event was graced with goodwill messages from esteemed dignitaries, including:
- Government officials, who expressed their support and encouragement for the initiative
- Traditional rulers, who acknowledged the importance of the program for the community
- Academicians from Taraba State University and Taraba State Polytechnic, who highlighted the potential benefits of the program for the state’s development
- Lay leaders, who offered prayers and blessings for the success of the initiative
- They all commended the bishop and United Methodist Church for this laudable initiative.
Impact on the Community
The agriculture and evangelism program is expected to have a significant impact on the community. The program will provide training and resources to members to improve their farming skills, which will lead to increased crop yields and improved household incomes. The program will also promote diversified farming practices, including crop production, animal husbandry, and fish farming.
The program will also support local missionaries and open new places of worship, which will help to spread the gospel and promote spiritual growth. The church expects that the program will lead to a greater sense of community and cooperation among members, as well as a greater commitment to serving others..”
