CHRISTIAN MISSIONARIES

This study examines the influence of Christian missionaries in Owerri between 1910 and 1990. The arrival of Christian missionaries in Owerri brought significant social, educational, religious, and economic changes that transformed the traditional structure of the society. The study investigates the activities of various missionary groups and evaluates their contributions to the development of Owerri during the colonial and post-colonial periods. It also explores the interaction between Christianity and the indigenous beliefs and practices of the people of Owerri. The study adopted a historical research design using both primary and secondary sources of data. Primary sources included oral interviews and archival materials, while secondary sources consisted of textbooks, journals, articles, and previous research works related to missionary activities in Eastern Nigeria. Findings from the study revealed that Christian missionaries played major roles in the establishment of schools, hospitals, churches, and other social institutions in Owerri. They contributed greatly to the spread of Western education, literacy, healthcare services, and moral teachings, which helped in shaping modern social and political development in the area. However, the study also found that missionary activities led to the decline of some traditional religious practices, cultural values, and indigenous institutions. The introduction of Christianity created both cooperation and conflict between converts and traditional worshippers. Despite these challenges, the overall impact of Christian missionaries in Owerri between 1910 and 1990 was largely positive, particularly in the areas of education, religion, and social transformation. The study concluded that Christian missionary activities significantly influenced the historical development of Owerri and contributed to the modernization of the society. It therefore recommended that the positive legacies of missionary efforts, especially in education and healthcare, should be preserved while promoting respect for indigenous cultural heritage and values.