As the world prepares to mark International Translation Day on September 30, Jehovah’s Witnesses are highlighting their ongoing efforts to make Bible-based information accessible to people across Nigeria in the languages they speak every day.
Through jw.org, the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Bible publications and educational content are currently available in about 26 Nigerian languages, including Nigerian Sign Language and West African Pidgin.
The initiative is part of a broader translation programme through which Jehovah’s Witnesses make Bible-based material available in more than 1,100 languages worldwide. Their translation work includes books, articles, videos, music, audio recordings and other digital content.
Olusegun Eroyemi, National Spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Nigeria, said providing information in a person’s familiar language can make it easier to understand and apply.
“Translation on this scale requires extraordinary commitment and cooperation. We continue to invest in translation because we believe people benefit most from Bible education when it is available in the language closest to their heart,” Eroyemi said.
Nigeria’s linguistic diversity makes translation particularly important. Over the years, Jehovah’s Witnesses have developed Bible-based publications and digital content in a range of Nigerian languages, with recent projects including materials in Urhobo and West African Pidgin.
The work is carried out by trained volunteer translators supported by technology that enables content to be produced across multiple languages. Globally, Jehovah’s Witnesses operate more than 300 remote translation offices, including 14 in Nigeria, with thousands of volunteers involved in the translation and publishing process.
The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, published by Jehovah’s Witnesses, is currently available in whole or in part in more than 340 languages. The organisation says it continues to expand the range of Bible-based content available in additional languages.
International Translation Day, observed annually on September 30 by the United Nations, recognises the contribution of language professionals to communication and understanding across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
For Jehovah’s Witnesses, the translation effort is focused on ensuring that people can access Bible-based information in languages that are familiar and meaningful to them.
“All people deserve access to reliable information in their own language,” Eroyemi said. “Our goal is to continue making the Bible’s message available to individuals, families and communities throughout Nigeria, regardless of the language they speak.”
All content published by Jehovah’s Witnesses is available to the public free of charge. For more information and to explore available language options, visit jw.orgor jw.org/pressroom.
