The sisters first arrived in Nigeria in February 1983, following an invitation from Bishop Patrick Sheehan, the then bishop of Yola Diocese. Their first community was St Augustine’s parish in Jalingo. The first two girls to be accepted into the Institute in Nigeria were Rebecca Odu and Regina Banseka. They started their formation under Sr Eugenie in Yola in October 1984 and a year later moved to the College of Agriculture in Jalingo.

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A third community of IJ Sisters was established in Ganye in September 1986. Sisters Eugenie Fernandez and Caterina Dolci spent a year in rented accommodation in the town before a convent was built on the mission compound between 1988 and 1989.  They were later joined by Sr Agnes Ng.

 

There was great joy when our first Nigerian sister, Rebecca, made her first profession in Jalingo on 17th April 1990.

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Our heartfelt gratitude goes to our Missionary Sisters, some of whom are still working tirelessly here with us. May the Lord's blessing reach out to them in their mission. About five of our Missionary Sisters who worked in Nigeria and one Nigerian Sister have returned to the Lord. May they rest in His peace.

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In Nigeria at present the Sisters live and work in Ganye and Yola in Adamawa State, Kona and Mile Six in Jalingo, Taraba State, Bukuru, Jos and Pankshin in Plateau State. Our mission is very diverse. We are involved in formal and informal education, such as training young women in useful skills. Two Kindergarten schools have now developed into full primary schools under the management of the sisters (Ganye and Jalingo). We also work with people living with HIV/AIDS. The house in Jos is constantly hosting those who are vulnerable and much care and attention is given to them to encourage them to face the reality of their condition. We are at the service of humanity through the provision of quality education to children and young people, healthcare services and pastoral work.

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More information : ijsnigeria.org