The Impact of the United Missionary Church of Africa in Kebbi South Senatorial District, Kebbi State, Nigeria.
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Date
2018-07
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UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN
Abstract
The United Missionary Church of Africa (UMCA) was introduced to Kebbi South Senatorial District (KSSD) of Kebbi State in 1925. Though the Senatorial District is a predominantly Christian community, Islam, Christianity and African Traditional Religion are being practiced by different members of the same family without prejudice. Being the first Christian organization in the District, her impacts on the people of the area have not been properly documented. The aim of the study was to assess the activities of UMCA in KSSD from 1925 to 2017 and document some of her significant contributions in the socio-economic development and promotion of peace and harmony in the region. The objectives of the study are: (i) to give a concise history of UMCAas it relates to her role in establishing the Christian faith in KSSD; (ii) examine the contributions of UMCA to the socio-economic life of the people of KSSD;(iii) analyze the contributions and activities of the leaders of the denomination as it affects the growth of UMCA; (iv) examine the influence of other religions and other Christian denominations on the activities of UMCA in KSSD; and (v) access the challenges and prospects of UMCA as a denomination in KSSD.
Historical and Descriptive methods were adopted for the study. Historical method was used to dig into historical antecedence of UMCA and KSSD, while descriptive method assisted to give the description of various contributions of the UMCA to social changes in the area of study. Data were collected through interviews, observations and archival and library consultations.
The findings of the study were that:
i. UMCA is the first Christian denomination in KSSD and it came through the United Missionary Society (UMS) from Salka;
ii. UMCA played leading role in the socio-economic life of the people by establishing educational institutions, hospitals and introducing modern mechanized farming in KSSD;
iii. Some leaders of the denomination are sustaining the legacies of the founding fathers, though denominational hierarchy and internal squabbles impeded its growth in some places;
iv. Influx of religious fanaticism from some religious groups impacted negatively on the activities of UMCA in KSSD as this bred suspicion, intimidation and jealous in the area; and
v. UMCA was affected by many challenges including lack of funds, ethnic crisis, media propaganda, religious bigotry, syncretism and leadership tussles.
The study concluded that the UMCA had contributed immensely to socio-economic life of in spite of numerous challenges facing it. The study therefore recommended that the UMCA denominational leaders should be more proactive for greater achievements by reaching out to donor agencies and solving the problem of leadership within members of UMCA. It should also explore the information and communication technologies (ICT) to harness her potentials; establish more schools, cybercafés, hospitals, and seek other viable sources of income.
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Keywords
United Missionary Church of Africa, UMCA, Kebbi South Senatorial District, Kebbi State