The Senior Pastor of The Potter’s House Church from the USA, Bishop Thomas D. Jakes and the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye will on December 17 minister at the 2021 corols festival in Akwa Ibom State.
The 2021 Festival will also feature a predominantly Nigerian lineup of renowned gospel music ministers including the legendary Panam Percy Paul, and other award-winning gospel singers like Tim Godfrey, Dunsin Oyekan, Ada Ehi, Aity Dennis, Bobby Friga, David G, Ema Onyx, GUC, Progress Effiong, John Bassey, Patience Ekwere and Uduakobong Akpan Jnr..
According to Mr Raphael Edem, Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Public Affairs who addressed a press conference on behalf of the Planning Commission in Uyo on Wednesday, the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival was conceived to enhance the spiritual rejuvenation of the state and her people.
Edem recalled that the Christmas carol, initiated in 2008, earned Akwa Ibom a place in the Guinness Book of Records in 2014, and has remained a yearly event until last year when it could hold due to the ravaging coronavirus pandemic.
In his words “In few days, precisely on Friday, December 17, 2021, the state will be in the eyes of the world again with the return of the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival.
“The theme for the 2021 Carols Festival is “THE RETURN” and is drawn from the Bible verse Isiah 51:11 (KJV), “Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
“From inception, the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival was conceived to enhance the spiritual rejuvenation of the state and people, and after 12 successful editions, that purpose of the Carols Festival has remained undefeated.
“As a people who have been largely preserved from the fatalities that rocked the world in the heat of the covid-19 pandemic, we are returning to thank God for his blessings to us as a state and a people.
“For the first time in the history of this event, we will be having 2 Guest Ministers this year – the Senior Pastor of The Potter’s House Church from the USA, Bishop Thomas D. Jakes and the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye”.
“The 12th edition of the Carols Festival which will be hosted at the 55,000-sq. metre Ibom Hall Arena, along IBB Avenue in Uyo by 6 pm, will, according to the organizers feature the globally recognized World Record Mass Choir of the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival.
“The World Record Mass Choir in this edition will feature 5,000 out of the 25,000-strong choir. Other choir groups that will perform this year are the host choir, the Akwa Ibom State Government Choir, The Promised-Land Chorale Int’l, Intensity and the Ibom Orchestra.
“Another special appearance and the only non-Nigerian performer will be the multi-award winning South African DJ and musician, Master KG”. Edem added
He acknowledged the unwavering commitment of Governor Udom Emmanuel to the successful hosting of the event, as exemplified in his consistent all-around support to this religious cum tourism event. The committee also acknowledged support from Fidelity and Zenith Banks towards the successful hosting of this year’s event.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong tasked journalists to bury whatever differences may exist between government and the governed in the state but to use this festive season to “Talk Up” Akwa Ibom in the interest of all in the state.
He assured that the 5000 choir carol night will make a positive impact on the economy of the state as it will open up opportunities for small income earners, tailors, artisans, hospitality companies and others to be gainfully engaged.
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