Joy again for A’Ibom as Glo partners state on Xmas Carols

For the indigenes of Akwa Ibom State and their well-wishers, last weekend was a significant one. Coming a week after some 26 persons lost their lives in the unfortunate incident of the collapse of the roof of Reigners’ Bible Church, Uyo, in which some government functionaries were also injured, the 2016 Christmas Carols was indeed a relief from the anguish of death that the enveloped the “Land of Promise” state.

Thousands thronged the Uyo Township Stadium to listen to array of gospel singers who thrilled audience at the ninth edition of Akwa Ibom State Christmas Carols Festival, sponsored by Globacom, one of Nigeria’s leading telecom companies.

Although many international artistes were invited to the event, Nigeria-based artistes had their day in the sun as they had an opportunity of showcasing their talent before the mammoth crowd.

Also, pomp and celebration smashed the glass of sobriety at the event as the people put the tragic event of the previous week behind them to render songs of praise and thanksgiving to God for sustaining the 29-year-old state in spite of all the difficult and challenging moments the state has gone through.

Governor Emmanuel Udom, in an emotion-laden opening speech described the Christmas Carols Festival as an “expression of perfect submission to the will of God and a demonstration of the resilience of the state to pick itself up and trudge on with faith and hope in a better future each time it is beset by mind-numbing set-backs”.

The governor told the capacity crowd which included top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, clerics, international artistes, tourists from across the globe as well as citizens of the state that in spite of the tragic occurrence, “our love for God is sacrosanct.”

According to him, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, whose teachings reinforced the reality that death is not the end of man, noting that the state would neither be discouraged nor give in to evil.

Governor Udom expressed appreciation to those who supported the state in its trying period and sponsors like Globacom, for committing their resources towards ensuring that millions of Akwa Ibom citizens sing songs of joy again through the carols.

Aniekpeno Mkpanang, the permanent secretary, Special Services Department, Akwa Ibom, who coordinated the event, commended Globacom and other sponsors for displaying staunch commitment to the prosperity of the state and enjoined them not to relent in showing support for the record breaking carol which will enter its tenth year in 2017.

Renowned American gospel artiste, Don Moen, who was described as an adopted son of Akwa Ibom was present to lift up the spirits of thousands of people gathered in the arena in worship of God. Moen seized the opportunity to render memorable numbers including ‘Thank You Lord’, ‘Father forgive us’, ‘God will make a way’, among others.

The Uyo Girls Choir, populated by girls under 10, joined Moen to make wonderful rendition of ‘Lord, make us instrument of your peace’ to a standing ovation. They subsequently released a pigeon each to represent the 31 local government areas in the state- symbolising soaring peace and tranquillity across Akwa Ibom. Their performance paved the way for the Kayamba African Orchestra from South Africa who sang ‘The Holly and the Ivy’ and ‘Noel.

Esther Edoho sent the arena into high octane excitement when she made her appearance. Apparently a darling of the populace, she delivered ‘Ukara Jesus’ (Rulership of Jesus), ‘Abasi afon ubok eno’ (God is good in giving) and ‘Emenere, emenere’ (Lift Him [Jesus] higher’ among others with the crowd singing in tow. Other local artistes also performed their numbers to wild acclamation and appreciation from the crowd.

Among those who entertained the gathering at the event which lasted till the wee hours of Sunday include PRM Band from the UK, Akwa Ibom Choir, who provided excellent back up to all the artistes including Don Moen, Sammy Okposo, Buchi, Elijah Oyelade, Julius Nglass, Fr. Patrick Edet, Steve Crown, Perfecta Ekpo who did a perfect rendition of the National Anthem, and the Kenyan Boys.

JOSHUA BASSEY