Held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki, the event carried the theme “Resurrection and Renewal”—a powerful message mirrored not just in song, but in spirit. Amidst economic turmoil and societal fatigue, the choirs and congregants lifted their voices to the heavens, determined to praise through pain, and worship through weariness.
Addressing the gathering, CAN State Chairman, Rev. Dr. Scamb Chinedum Nwokolo, urged Nigerians not to let the trials of the time erode their faith or silence their praise. His voice, firm and compassionate, called for spiritual stamina and trust in divine timing.
“We use this medium to speak to our people not to allow the evil and hardship in the land derail or deviate them from their standpoint with God,” Nwokolo emphasized. “This is a time to draw closer to Him, to seek divine intervention and to learn the lessons God may be teaching through this season.”
Nwokolo acknowledged the glaring difficulties facing Nigerians, but encouraged the faithful to embrace restraint and patience, trusting that God’s goodness, though delayed, is never denied.
The choral competition itself was a moving illustration of resilience. Five blocs of CAN fielded their best voices in a musical face-off that transcended mere contest. It was ministry, not just melody.
The Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) choir, comprising over 30 denominations including the Christ Holy Church and the Celestial Church of Christ, emerged triumphant with a compelling performance that scored 73.6%. The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) followed closely, scoring 69% and 68% respectively.
The lead judge, Dr. David Jayeola, Head of the Music Department at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, praised the choirs’ technical mastery and spiritual depth. Evaluation criteria included vocal strength, diction, harmony, and musical interpretation—attributes that the OAIC bloc demonstrated with grace and power.
Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by his Chief of Staff, Professor Emmanuel Echiegu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnering with the Church. He described the event as “rewarding,” not only for its musical excellence but for its moral and spiritual significance in a time of national soul-searching.
“We deeply value the role of CAN in keeping our people spiritually grounded,” Echiegu noted. “The government will continue to support such programmes that edify the soul and strengthen the moral fabric of society.”
A heartfelt sermon by Rev. Professor Wilberforce Oti, founder of the House of Priests and Kings Church, added depth to the day. Titled “The God of Even Now,” the message emphasized praise as a weapon of warfare and a channel to divine intervention.
“Even now—when things seem bleak, God is still God,” Oti declared. “Praise invites His power to restore, to resurrect and to renew.”
The OAIC choir’s victory was met with tears of joy and songs of thanksgiving. Choir leader, Mrs. Joycy Ejikeme, attributed their success to “God’s unmerited grace,” pledging to uphold the victory and challenge others to higher performance next year.
Beyond the harmonies and accolades, the true essence of the Easter Choral Celebration was clear: even in hardship, the Church in Ebonyi sings—not just in hope, but as hope itself. The event was a soul-lifting reminder that when voices rise in faith, even the darkest seasons begin to shift.
As Nigeria waits for its economic dawn, Ebonyi's choirs have given the nation a powerful gift: the unwavering song of the faithful—unbroken, unshaken, and undeterred.
