ABSTRACT
This study has examined the impact of Christian missionary activities on Irrua from the 19th century onward. It explored how the missionaries had influenced the religious beliefs, cultural practices, economic and social structures. Irrua, like many other African societies, had a complex religious belief system that included worship of both deities and a supreme God. While Christianity is now the dominant religion in the area, traditional beliefs and practices still exist alongside the new faith. The advent of Christianity in Nigeria was a complex and dynamic process. It involved a number of different missionary groups, such as the Catholics, Anglicans, and Pentecostals. These missionaries brought with them a new set of beliefs, values, and practices, which would have a lasting impact on the country. The spread of Christianity was also linked to the colonial experience, as it was often used as a tool for conversion and control. The legacy of this history is still evident today, in the diversity of religious beliefs and practices that exist in modern-day Nigeria. The impact of early missionaries in Irrua, was profound and lasting. They introduced new forms of worship, education, and social organization. They also established churches, schools, and hospitals, which brought 63 new opportunities and resources to the region.
