services provided by the United Africa Company (U.A.C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is in respect of traditional title-taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture-loving people. Contribution to national growth Illah, having embraced western education early, the town has produced a good number of dedicated citizens who have contributed in various ways to national life and growth. The town continues to make giant strides in various areas of endeavour in the course of her development. References Populated places in Delta State