Yola, Adamawa State

“He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 (NIV)

Yola, deriving its name from the Fulani language word “yolde,” signifies a settlement on an elevated terrain. This vibrant city serves as the capital and administrative hub of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Established in 1841 by the commander of Sheik Usman Danfodio, Modibbo Adama, the Fulani founder of the Adamawa emirate, Yola became the political center during his jihad against the indigenous Batta and Verre peoples.

The majestic Lamido’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a tangible reminder of the Fulani conquest over this domain. The title “Lamido” translates to “commander” or “leader,” and the Lamido of Adamawa holds immense cultural and political influence, particularly in Yola. This position is hereditary, with a lineage tracing back to Modibbo Adama himself. With the Lamido’s palace in Yola, it makes the headquarters of the Fulani nation in Nigeria.

Functioning as an agriculturally driven state, Yola relies heavily on livestock and the cultivation of various crops, including cotton, groundnuts, millet, cassava, guinea corn, and yams. The city plays a pivotal role in sustaining the economic activities of the region. In terms of religious diversity, Yola accommodates a substantial Christian population, representing the largest minority religion in a predominantly Muslim state. This coexistence of different religious communities adds a layer of cultural richness and tolerance to the social fabric of Yola. The unique blend of historical significance, economic activities, and religious diversity makes Yola a unique and dynamic city within the Nigerian landscape.

Please Pray

• Lift up the youth of Yola to the Lord. Ask the Lord to bless them with opportunities for education, skills development, and meaningful participation in shaping the city’s future. Pray that the Lord will empower them to be agents of positive change and hope.
• That believers in this city will maximize the open nature of this city to the gospel and preach the gospel to friends and family.
• That Muslims will encounter Christ personally in this city during this month of Ramadan.