Zuma Rock
The Zuma Rock is a large monolith in Niger State, Nigeria, situated north of its capital Abuja. Standing 725 metres above its surroundings, the rock is sometimes referred to as “Gateway to Abuja” and is recognised as one of the main features of Nigeria. Our Sisters in Minna are about an hour and a half from Abuja.
The Sisters of Mercy in Nigeria are based in Yola, Adamawa State in the North East of the country and Minna in Niger State in the Mid-West. These two cities are about a thousand kilometres apart. We are fortunate that there is a daily airline service between us and we can be together in about three hours.
The official language of Nigeria is English and there are also three major Nigerian languages, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. There are many other tribal languages and customs that add to the colour, exuberance and energy of the Nigerian people. In the areas where the Sisters work the lingua franca is Hausa (tribal language).
Bougainvillea
Subsistence farming is the main occupation of the people in the rural areas surrounding the cities of Yola and Minna. In the urban areas most of the citizens are petty traders or civil servants in State or Federal Offices and Institutions.
The climate is tropical with a wet season and a dry season, with local variations. There are times when you would long for even one cloud in the relentless blue sky that gives searing sun for up to nine hours some days!
