ABSTRACT
The people of Nigeria continued to practice their indigenous beliefs, tradition, cultures and way of worship till the 19tb century which manifested the introduction of foreign religions. The two major foreign religions being Christianity and Islamism. The Islamization of Northern Nigeria spilled over to The Northern part of Edo State. Although the State is in the Southern (Mid-west) region of the country, yet, Islamism found its way there. On the other hand, Christianity was introduced in the region by the European Missionaries. These missionaries did a lot to evangelize different parts of Southern Nigeria and Etsako land was not left behind. However, they not only came with religious affiliations but also were part of the development of other sectors of the peoples lives including economic (trade), political (administration), social (marriage, festivals etcetera), industry (schools, clinics etcetera) and other areas too. In their dispensation of the gospel message, the missionaries also engaged in spreading the European culture and establishing structures that led to the development of the areas were they went.1 As regards this project work, the fundamental aim is to discuss the growth of Christianity in Etsako land during the colonial era. Though other information were examined due to their importance in relation to the main subject matter. Such include the origin of the Etsako people, the introduction of Christianity in Etsako land, various contributions made by Christian Missionary bodies, effect of Christianity in Etsako land 57 and some structures (establishments) set up during the Colonial Era by the Christian bodies including Churches, schools and medical centres.2 Consequently, this project work contains five chapters, each discussing important aspects of the project topic. From chapter one to four forms the core of the work while chapter five summarizes and concludes the project by briefly highlighting and discussing each of the chapters. To expatiate, chapter one is the Background to the study, chapter two discusses the Origin of the Etsako people, chapter three examines the history of the introduction of Christianity in Etsako land, chapter four discusses the growth of Christianity in Etsako land.3 Accordingly, chapter one contains the background to the study. This chapter begins with the introduction of the topic. Then, the aim and objectives of this project work is highlighted. The aim is described to be the discussion about Christian religion growth in Etsako land during the colonial era. Consequently, other objectives highlighted include : the history of the Etsako people, introduction of Christian religion in Etsako land, the effect of the presence of Missionaries and their doctrine on the tradition and cukyre of the Etsako people. Lastly, to identify some Christian structures/establishment in the region. Next, the scope of work was discussed. Thus, in this chapter, it states some important facts about Etsako land. It also includes the description and the growth of Christianity in Etsako land. Also, the research methodology was stated in chapter one listing the various sources of information for this project work.4 58 The literature review is also contained in chapter one. Each of the literatures are historical books written by scholars about the Etsako people. They include published books, journals, online articles, edited books and other research works. The authors therefore are: Jane Onuku Itseuwa, Stan-William Ede, Aha Idokpesi Okhaishie n'Avhianwu, A. O. Anaemhomhe, Obaro Ikime's edited book, Peter Omo-Anonigie, Taiye Josephine Momoh. Lastly, the chapters were listed out in the chapterization. Secondly, chapter two discusses the Origin of the Etsako people. From various perspectives of different history writers. It also highlights some clans specifically and discusses their origin. However, this does not mean that the clans mentioned are most important or less important than the others. The origin of Etsako people begins from Ancient Benin kingdom where they stayed under the rulership of the Oba. But due to various reasons, the people migrated to their present locations today. The conclusion of chapter two lists out some key words that were often used in the chapter and defines or explains them Thirdly, chapter three focuses on Christianity in Etsako land. However, a background is given about the traditional way of worship of the people. Also, the introduction of Islam is traced to the Nupe Invasion. This explains why the Etsako people already practiced African traditional religion and Islam before Christianity was introduced. Finally, the history of the first missionary activities in Etsako land, including their contributions like Churches, schools and medical centres are identified.5 59 Fourthly, the growth of Christianity in Etsako land during the colonial era is discussed in the fourth chapter. Having used the prevailing three chapters to introduce the subject matter, then, the fourth chapter compiles all other information and uses it to expatiate on the evolution of Christian religion among the Etsako people during a time when colonialization still had a stronghold in Nigeria. The effect and impact of the contributions of Christianity in Etsako land is the next focus of chapter four. How the people perceived their new doctrine, and their subsequent reaction to it is worth discussing. The building of churches, schools and medical centres had both positive and negative response from the people. In fact, it varied from one village to another. Yet, within every village still remained some indegenes who refused to accept any foreign religions but stayed with the tradition of the people. Christianity actually impacted the political, social, cultural life of the people. The economic trade and commerce of the people were affected positively and negatively, the administrative head and native chiefs had their perception of the new doctrine. The most pathetic was the plight of the native priest (traditional priest or native doctors). Masquerades and festivals were no longer as celebrated as before, finances running low. Yet, the negativity of the opposition did not deter the Missionaries from continuing their mission.6 Lastly, the fifth chapter is the concluding chapter. Basically, it explains the information contained in all other prevailing chapters by way of summary. A breakdown of what the project is about. Christianity dominated Nigeria during the colonial era. 60 Actually, the colonial era refers to a period of time when Nigeria was ruled by the British empire from the mid - nineteenth century until 1960 - when Nigeria gained her independence. During this period, religion became an instrument of administering the larger public. Religion and political laws worked together. Religion acted as a way of making societal rules legitimate. Religion and politics were inseparable, At first, when the Europeans arrived Nigeria, they were not fully interested in evangelization, later, there was systematic efforts by Churches in Europe to actively engage in activities to Christianize Africans – in Nigeria, Catholicism was the most proactive. Christianity manifested as a tool for regeneration of Africa. Etsako land experienced this as Christianity acted as a force for civilization and development. The British colonial government realized that giving the people 'the gospel of CHRIST' is the only way to redeem and regenerate the people ⁴. Actually, the Portuguese Roman Catholic Missions had come earlier in the 14th and 15th centuries but we're unsuccessful, effective evangelization came with the missionaries of the 19th century. As for Etsako land, the impact of Christianity is grounded in every sector ; Education, medicine, commerce, politics etcetera.7
