In November 1894, Archdeacon Thomas John Dennis embarked on a mission to Onitsha at the request of Herbert Tugwell, the newly appointed Bishop of West Equatorial Africa. Tugwell envisioned Dennis in a multifaceted role: overseeing pastoral work, leading educational initiatives, pursuing theological studies, and promoting industrial training in farming and skilled trades. His goal was to develop Onitsha into a major center for education, drawing on local talent as teachers and catechists.
Dennis began his journey by sailing from Sierra Leone, marking the start of his significant role in this evolving missionary landscape. Upon arrival in Onitsha, missionaries faced considerable challenges, particularly in learning the Igbo language.
One missionary, Dobinson, recorded the difficulties caused by varying word meanings and the absence of standard grammar. For example, the same word, “Akwa,” could mean both clothes and bed, with meaning determined by pronunciation. Despite these challenges, progress was achieved, especially after Dennis joined the team to lead translation efforts. Together, they revised earlier translations and developed worship materials, including the Ibo Prayer Book.
By late 1893, Dobinson expressed joy at having the Gospels available in Ibo, though he lamented the local lack of interest in learning the language, as many preferred English. Translation efforts were supported by T. David Anyaegbunam, a native of Onitsha and an early convert, who worked alongside Dobinson.
A major ongoing challenge was the wide regional variation within the Igbo language, compounded by the absence of written texts and a culture that functioned without reading or writing. With no written Ibo—no newspapers, books, or standardized written language—vocabulary, grammar, and spelling varied significantly across regions. Dobinson’s translations in Onitsha reflected Niger or Upper Ibo and were not easily understood further south, where Delta or Lower Ibo was more common along the coast. To the east, Ungwana Ibo introduced yet another layer of linguistic complexity.