Inculturation Zia-Wereloo: Exploring the Intersection of Traditional Ogoni Practice and Act 4:32-37

Abstract

Zia-Wereloo is a vital communal seasonal tradition among the Ogoni people of Rivers State, Nigeria, emphasising unity, shared resources, and collective well-being once a year. This study explored the connection between Zia-Wereloo and the biblical passage Acts 4:32-36, which describes the early Christian community's practice of sharing possessions and ensuring that no member lacked necessities. The research examined how these two traditions align and how Zia Wereloo can be integrated into a Christian framework without losing its cultural authenticity. This paper utilised exegetical analysis and a qualitative research approach, including ethnographic fieldwork, in-depth interviews with Ogoni elders and Christian leaders, and textual analysis of Acts 4:32-36. The researcher employed a systematic sampling technique, administering a structured questionnaire to 300 Ogoni residents in Khana Local Government Area. The study reveals the complementary relationship between Zia-Wereloo and Acts 4:32-36 in promoting communal harmony. The findings highlight the potential to combine indigenous communal practices with Christian teachings to enrich faith expressions within Ogoni Christianity. The implications suggest a model for cultural integration that respects indigenous traditions while embracing biblical principles. This paper examines how Zia-Wereloo can be aligned with Christian principles while preserving its cultural value and considers its wider application across Ogoni communities and denominations. Studies have documented the integration of traditional practices; however, the concept of Zia-Wereloo in Ogoni land, when examined within the exegetical framework of Acts 4:32-36, remains largely unexplored in existing scholarship. This study seeks to fill this gap with significant contributions to the discourse.