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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints in Nigeria

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nigeria

As of December 31, 2015, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reported 142,033 members in 33 stakes, 19 districts, 454 congregations, five missions, and one temple in Nigeria.

Contents

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) announced creation of new Owerri mission in Nigeria in 2016.

History

In the 1950s and '60s several thousand native Nigerians became interested in joining the LDS Church, despite the Church having no formal presence in the country. An effort was made to send missionaries and establish a formal presence. However, after the Nigerian government became aware of the church policy of excluding Africans from participating in the priesthood, they made it difficult for the missionaries to obtain visas. Plans to send missionaries were postponed indefinitely.

The Church was officially established in Nigeria in 1978 after the change in priesthood policy. The first stake was organized in 1988 with David Eka as president. In 2005, the Church dedicated the Aba Nigeria Temple.

A brief history can be found at LDS Newsroom (Nigeria) or Deseret News 2010 Church Almanac (Country Information: Nigeria)

Membership History

  • a Actual Membership for January 1 of the respective year
  • b Estimated membership for December 31 of the respective year
  • c Actual Membership for December 31 of the respective year

    • Missions

  • Nigeria Benin City Mission (created July 2013).
  • Nigeria Calabar Mission (created July 2002).
  • Nigeria Enugu Mission (created July 1992).
  • Nigeria Port Harcourt Mission (created July 1988).
  • Nigeria Lagos Mission (created July 1980).

    • Aba Nigeria Temple

    On August 7, 2005 the Aba Nigeria Temple was dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley.

    References

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nigeria Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA