Renowned gospel singers Don Moen and Agatha Christie led thousands of singers in an all-night praise and worship at this year’s 9,999 Carol Night held at Akwa Ibom Stadium, Uyo last Saturday. Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME was there.
Yours before the start of this year’s Akwa Ibom State organised 9,999 Carol Night, long queue of guests formed at the entrance of Akwa Ibom Stadium, Uyo. Vendors arranged their wares at strategic locations on the road leading to stadium. Security officials were busy directing the crowd and maintaining order. For the 9,999-strong choir that occupied the first floor of the stadium (all dressed in white T-shirt and black trousers or skirt) last Saturday night was memorable, as their performance was watched live in 59 countries.
As the kick off time got closer, the atmosphere around the stadium became rowdy as motorists battled for space with pedestrians who struggled to remain on the queue. By 9pm, the 30,000 capacity stadium was almost filled. Thirty minutes later, the Akwa Ibom Voices set the tone for the Carol Night immediately after Governor Godswill Akpabio and family took their seats. The group’s performance drew almost everyone to his feet.
And for the next six hours, it was rain of songs of praise and dancing. The 9,999 choir backed by many renowned gospel artistes from across the globe, rendered soul stirring hymns into the wee hours of Sunday. Among gospel groups that performed were Don Moen, Buchi, Panam Percy Paul, Bongos Ikwe, Angela Christie, the Voices of Jamaica Choir, the Harmonious Chorale from Ghana, national choir of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis; Ibom Orchestra and Unity Brass Band.
Like a contest, each performing group attempted to outclass one another with the rendition of special songs from their repertoire. Angela Christie offered Midnight Crew’s Igwe, though not with same dexterity as the original singer, to the admiration of the crowd.
For Otukpo-born highlife musician, Bongos Ikwe, Amen, was the toast for all. He also rendered a different version of Amen, co-produced by Archbishop John Cardinal Onaiyekan. Ikwe dedicated the song to the Archbishop who was the lead minister at the Carol Night. Panam Percy Paul did not disappoint the audience when he presented some of his old tunes such as Come lets Praise the Lord.
Accompanied by his wife, Governor Akpabio flagged off the night, saying: “Tonight, I have come to kick off the 2014 Christmas Carol done in a spectacular way in a spectacular state. You might not hear your voices as you did in the past six years, but you will get uncommon blessing home. Every singing and dancing will bring blessing to you. I therefore kick off God’s party in the name of God, son and Holy Ghost.” Akpabio later led the ministration with a reading from Matthew 1: 18-23 which focuses on the birth of Jesus Christ-the reason for the Carol Night.
Akpabio described this year’s the carol night as a celebration of love, noting that “whether you are a Muslim or a Christian because we need a peaceful world for mankind to develop”.
“God is love, and out of love God gave his only son for us to redeem man of his sins. This is the 7th edition but holding for the first time in the new stadium. Our journey has been easy. We have fought ethnicity. God gave us the string to string them down. As the walls of Jericho came down, every barrier to our success will come down. As we join our voices together, the insurgence shall cease to be. Through our voices, the Ebola shall cease to be, scourges of poverty in Africa will be erased in the continent through our voices,” Akpabio said.
Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Olorunfemi Onaiyekan has allayed fears of crises during the forthcoming general elections, saying there is no need for such fears. He, however, tasked President Goodluck Jonathan not to fail to stop the Boko Haram insurgencies that have claimed thousands of lives in some parts of northern states because Nigerians would not accept any excuses. He said Boko Haram is a matter that concerns all and as such Christians ‘we must pray and work for peace.’
Archbishop Onaiyekan who ministered at the Carol said Nigerian politicians must not forget that though God expects human beings to organise his life, which is why there are governors and president, that God is the owner of all things.
He charged politicians to seek power for the good of the majority of the people. People according to him, is the reason for governance.
“It is not enough to feat God. We must rule according to His will and for the good of the people. People are the reason for governance. Politicians are supposed to do whatever they do for the good of the majority. We are looking forward to the chance of making the choice of who will rule us,” he said.
The Archbishop whose message was titled Religious peace in our land, said in this period of Christmas Nigerians should not forget to cast their minds to the birth of Jesus in the manger noting that one important lesson of the season is that ‘we are challenged to have care for children.’
“As we sit here, my heart goes out to the babies who are being born in distressful situations especially in northeast states where Boko Haram have driven people away from. Also, we should remember babies in the terrible theatres of wars such as Pakistan and Syria. Every child is precious. The lesson of Xmas is that the will of God will always be done,” he added.
