Introduction / History

The Ife people speak Ede Ife, a Yoruboid language within the Niger-Congo family. It is spoken across Togo, Benin, and Ghana. The language has several dialects, including those spoken in Atakpamé, Kamina, Dadja, and Tchetti. It shares 87–91% lexical similarity with Ede Nago, another Yoruboid language.Historically, the Ife migrated from the Yoruba regions and settled in the Plateaux and Centrale regions of Togo, particularly in the Ogou, Anie, Est-Mono, and Tchamba prefectures. Their communities are deeply rooted in ancestral traditions and oral storytelling.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Ife people live in rural and semi-urban areas, where agriculture is the primary occupation. They cultivate crops such as yams, maize, cassava, and millet. Access to education, healthcare, and clean water is limited in many villages. Community life is organized around extended families, and traditional festivals and ceremonies remain central to their cultural identity.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Ife people predominantly follow ethnic religions, with Christianity and Islam also present. Traditional beliefs involve ceremonies and sacrifices to multiple divinities, and syncretism is common, blending Christian or Islamic practices with ancestral worship.Although there is a growing Christian presence, only 10–50% are considered evangelical believers, and many communities need spiritual renewal and biblical discipleship.

What Are Their Needs?

The Ife people need a complete Bible translation. While portions of the New Testament have been translated, the Old Testament remains unavailable, limiting full engagement with Scripture. They need trained church leaders and discipleship programs. Many pastors lack access to theological education and resources. Evangelistic media tools are needed. Audio Bibles and the Jesus Film in Ede Ife would greatly enhance outreach efforts.Literacy and education programs are essential. The Ife language is not widely taught in schools, and literacy efforts would support Bible engagement.Healthcare and clean water access must be improved. Many Ife communities face physical challenges that hinder spiritual outreach.

Prayer Items

Pray for the completion of a complete Bible in the Ife language and for its widespread distribution and use.Ask God to raise up indigenous leaders and church planters among the Ife people.Pray for spiritual revival and a more profound commitment to biblical faith among nominal Christians.Pray that soon Ife disciples will make disciples among Muslims.Intercede for the breaking of spiritual strongholds tied to traditional religious practices.Pray for unity among believers and for the gospel to transform families and communities.

Scripture Prayers for the Ife in Ghana.

References

AI generated by CopilotWikipedia – Ifè LanguageWycliffe UK – The Ifè PeopleAffinity – Bible Translation for IfèMission Enablers – Togo Missions Trip Report