Christianity holds a central place in the social and spiritual life of the Isoko Nation. From the early missionary era of the Anglican and Catholic Churches in the early 1900s to the rapid growth of Pentecostal and evangelical movements, faith has shaped Isoko identity for over a century.
Almost every community in Isoko has a church — some with historic cathedrals that predate Nigeria’s independence. The rise of indigenous ministries, such as the Anglican Adam Preaching Society (A.A.P.S.), founded by Evangelist Cornelius Adam Igbudu of Araya town, further spread the gospel throughout the region and beyond.
Today, Isoko remains one of the most deeply Christian regions in the Niger Delta, hosting multiple denominations, vibrant fellowships, and growing dioceses.
Major Denominations in Isoko Nation
Anglican Communion
The Anglican Church is one of the earliest Christian missions in Isoko.
It operates under two dioceses:
- Diocese of Oleh – Established in 2001, covering both Isoko South and North LGAs. The Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Oleh, serves as its headquarters under the leadership of Rt. Rev. John U. Aruakpor.
- Diocese of Ozoro – Newly created in 2025, with Ven. Dr. Benjamin Idume consecrated as its first Bishop. The diocese oversees Anglican parishes in the Ozoro axis and neighboring communities.
Notable Anglican Churches:
- St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Irri
- St. John’s Church, Oku-Isoko
- Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Emevor
- St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Enhwe
Catholic Church
The Catholic presence in Isoko dates back to the early missionary work under the Catholic Diocese of Warri.
Today, Catholic parishes thrive in nearly all major Isoko towns.
Prominent Parishes:
- St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Oleh
- St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ozoro
- St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Emede
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Irri
The Isoko Deanery under the Warri Diocese continues to play a vital role in education and social services, running schools, clinics, and youth programs across the region.
Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches
The rise of Pentecostalism brought a wave of revival and spiritual renewal to Isoko land.
Popular Pentecostal ministries include:
- Deeper Life Bible Church, Ozoro Central Group
- Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oyede & Irri
- The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) – with branches in Oleh, Ozoro, Irri, and Emevor
- Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) – Oleh and Ozoro branches
- Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) – active in several Isoko communities
- Christ Embassy – presence in Oleh and Ozoro
These churches are known for their evangelism, youth empowerment, and musical ministries.
Orthodox and Indigenous Ministries
Isoko also hosts independent and indigenous Christian movements that blend deep faith with local missionary zeal.
- St. Apostle Andrew Orthodox Church, Emevor – representing the Orthodox Christian presence.
- Anglican Adam Preaching Society (A.A.P.S.), Araya – a powerful evangelistic movement founded by Evangelist Cornelius Adam Igbudu in the 1940s.
- Araya Bible Site – the location where the Holy Bible was reportedly discovered miraculously in 1914. It has become one of Nigeria’s most revered pilgrimage centers.
Christian Landmarks and Institutions
Faith is not only preached but also commemorated through sacred sites and missions across Isoko.
- Araya Bible Site (Araya Town) – Pilgrimage site attracting visitors yearly for prayer, healing, and thanksgiving.
- Cathedral Church of St. Paul (Oleh) – Seat of the Anglican Diocese of Oleh.
- Ozoro Cathedral (Anglican Diocese of Ozoro) – A new spiritual hub for the central Isoko region.
- A.A.P.S. Headquarters, Araya – Home of the Adam Preaching Society and its evangelistic outreaches.
Notable Clergy and Evangelists
- Evangelist Cornelius Adam Igbudu – Founder of A.A.P.S., one of Nigeria’s most influential indigenous evangelists.
- Rt. Rev. John U. Aruakpor – Bishop of Oleh Diocese.
- Ven. Dr. Benjamin Idume – Bishop of Ozoro Diocese.
- Pioneer Catechists and Teachers – early converts who helped establish Christian education in rural Isoko.
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