Peter Dabale

Founder of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN)
(April 26, 1949 – August 26, 2006)

Peter Dabale was a prominent Nigerian religious leader and the founder of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN). Under his leadership, church membership expanded from 10,000 to over 400,000.

Education

• 1967 – Nursing Certificate, Numan School of Nursing, Adamawa, Nigeria
• 1970 – Certificate in General Agriculture, Government Agriculture School, Yola, Adamawa State
• 1974 – Diploma in Theology, Theological College, Bukuru, Jos
• 1980 – International Diploma in Animal Husbandry, Barneveld College, Netherlands
• 1980 – Certificate in Church Administration, Gbarnga School of Theology, Monrovia, Liberia
• 1985 – Research Certificate in Agriculture and Theology, University of Alabama, USA
• 1987 – Doctor of Divinity in Theology, Gbarnga School of Theology, Monrovia, Liberia

Career and Contributions

Peter Dabale was both an agriculturist and a theologian. His early career included:

• Ward Assistant, Numan General Hospital, Adamawa State
• Officer in Charge, Experimental Farm Center, Numan

He held various teaching and pastoral positions, including:

• 1974–1976 – Teacher, Banyam Bible College
• 1976–1977 – Teacher, Kakulu Bible Institute
• 1977–1982 – Principal, Kakulu Bible Institute
• 1980–1985 – Pastoral work in Zing
• 1980–1986 – Pastoral work in Yonko, Muri East
• 1982–1983 – District Superintendent, Muri East District (Evangelical United Brethren)

Personal Life

• Birthplace: Nyabalang-Yotti, Jereng District, Adamawa State, Nigeria
• Background: Born into a polygamous Yotti family, raised by one of his father’s six wives after his mother died in infancy.
• His father was a diviner (mypa) and herbalist in the Yotti/Bali Traditional Religion.
• Initially expected to inherit his father's spiritual leadership, Dabale converted to Christianity as a student in the city.
• Marriage: Married Kerike C. Dabale, an evangelist, farmer, and housewife
• Children: Eleven
• Died: August 26, 2006, at the Methodist Hospital, aged 57

Awards

• 2005 – Nigerian National Order of Merit Award
  • The Vision of Africa Outstanding Award

See Also

• List of notable pastors in Nigeria
• Christianity in Nigeria

References

(To be added)