Introduction / History

Okodias are one of the ancient Ijaw tribes. They are among the world’s most ancient peoples. Archaeological evidence shows Ijaw tribes have lived in the Niger Delta since 800 B.C.! The Okodia live in Sagbama Local Government Area in Baysela State of Nigeria. They still retain their traditional Okodia language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Fishing is the main occupation of the Okodia people, who also farm rice, plantains, cassava, yams, cocoyams, bananas, vegetables, and tropical fruits like guava, mangoes, and pineapples. Export goods include smoked, dried fish; timber; palm oil; and palm kernels. Some work in the oil and gas industry or in the civil service.The society is organized into clans led by village chiefs. Marriages usually involve paying a bride price. Cultural festivals include wrestling, boat racing, traditional dances, and masquerades. In the masquerade, men wear carved masks and dance to the beat of drums to honor various water spirits. It is thought that some are possessed by the spirits as they dance.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Many Okodia identify as Protestant Christians.Others continue to venerate ancestors as well as the water spirits, known as Owuamapu. To question a deceased person about their cause of death, they use a form of divination called Igbadai.

What Are Their Needs?

Transport is a challenge for the Okodia people. Bayelsa State has many bodies of water, which hinders the development of significant road infrastructure.Okodia is believed to be the first language used by all in the community. It is not taught in schools. However, there are no Scriptures available in the Okodia language.

Prayer Items

Without Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5). Pray that the Okodia believers will depend wholly on their Lord for wisdom, strength, love, and boldness.Pray that the Okodia people would be set free from the spirit of fear, and would receive Christ’s Spirit of love, power, and a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7) Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Cor. 3:17).Pray that Okodias will engage with Scripture that is available in other nearby languages and be blessed as they understand and follow God’s word.Pray that the Okodia will be able to assess their level of understanding of Scriptures in other languages to determine their need for Scriptures in their own language.Ask God for workers to help the Okodia to translate God’s word into their own language.

Scripture Prayers for the Okodia in Nigeria.

References

Okodia language - WikipediaOkodia | Ethnologue FreePeopleGroups.org - OkodiaIjaw people - WikipediaBayelsa State - Wikipedia