Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols’ Festival 2024

By Charles Udoh

1. On this day in 2014, Akwa Ibom State unleashed the largest group of carols’ singers in the world at the annual Christmas Carols’ Festival and became officially certified and cited in the Guinness book of World Records.

2. Fast forward 10 years later we are gathered again; like we have done every year since 2008 in the annual ritual that many have come to refer to as the BIGGEST GOD’S PARTY anywhere in the world.

3. The Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols’ Festival is a festival of Christian songs, dance and worship that has over the years attracted the crème d la crème of gospel artistes, choir groups and worshippers from all corners of the globe.

4. This year’s event, which is the 17th edition, features an A- List of gospel singers selected from the premier league of gospel musicians in Nigeria.

5. From Minister GUC, Steve Crown, David G, Buchi, Moses Bliss, Jimmy D’ Psalmist, to Eno Michael, we have a cocktail of some of the finest gospel acts gracing the stage.

6. Recall that last year’s edition was a 100% home grown affair. But this year, we have shifted gear to bring together a star-studded lineup of gospel artistes that will be complimented by church choirs and choral groups drawn from every nook and cranny of the state coming together to form various mass choirs.

7. The 1,500 man Classical Choir comprises of a selection of choristers from orthodox churches in the state while the Contemporary Choir, also 1,500-man strong, comprises of a selection of choristers from Pentecostal churches in the state.

8. A unique feature of this year’s event is the advent of an Executive Choir Group aptly branded the Golden Voices. There are 1000 choristers drawn from ministries, departments and agencies of Akwa Ibom State Government.

9. Other major choir groups include All Nations’ Christian Ministries International, Government House Divine Voices, the Catholic Mass Choir and the International Worship Centre Choir, each comprising 500 choristers.

10. Also in the mix are the 200-man Brass Band, Ekukinam Choral Group and the Harmonic Voices Choral. David Magor and Barrister Uto Essien with the State Band will be on hand to provide the necessary support.

11. Added to the flow will be ministration of the gospel by Pastor Dennis Inyang of the Sure Word Assembly who would speak briefly on the THEME: PEACE AND HOLINESS WITH ALL MEN,

12. It promises to be a memorable evening for all of us physically present here tonight in this 25,000-seater amphitheatre and those joining us live on major satellite and terrestrial TV channels in Nigeria as well as the internet

13. Your excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, please permit to digress briefly and take us to the world of the Christmas Unplugged also taking place within this arena.

14. In 2023, time stood still for 32 days from the 1st of December to the 1st day of the new year as global attention was focused on Akwa Ibom State when our creative dexterity was on full display in what was truly a December to remember. The general consensus within and outside our borders was that we had raised the bar in quality of Christmas season activation.

15. It was the first time that two of the biggest Yuletide events in this part of the globe – the maiden Edition of Ibom Christmas Unplugged and the 16th edition of the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols’ Festival came together in one arena.

16. This year, Christmas Unplugged 2.0 has upped the ante and pushed the limits with a unique combo of contemporary and cultural entertainment, providing a one-of-its kind opportunity for micro and small-scale entrepreneurs to make brisk business.

17. It also provides exceptional brand visibility, networking opportunities and the chance for corporates in the state to showcase their commitment to corporate social responsibility.

18. For a 32-day period, over 500 micro and small-scale entrepreneurs are converged in this arena where the Government of Akwa Ibom provides 24-hour electricity with top-notch security and environmental management services with first grade content in the mix to drive traffic to the arena. Last year, a large number of them emerged from the embryo of being seasonal entrepreneurs to being proper businesspersons. This year, we expect many more to follow the trend.

19. The pick-of-the pack event at Christmas Unplugged 2.0 is the Sights and Sounds of Akwa Ibom State which debuted last year. Each of the 31 Local Government Areas in the state take turns: one-a-day to showcase their art, cultural and culinary uniqueness.

20. Beyond the displays by the local government areas, there is growing feeling and acceptance that the local and indigenous content has reignited the bonds of unity and friendship amongst our people both at home and abroad.

21. Our brothers and sisters in the diaspora; with their families, have stayed glued to the various multimedia channels where the events are beamed live across the globe.

22. Non-Akwa Ibomites have continued to watch mouth agape and marvelling at the depth of creativity in what many of them have tagged an “African Christmas”.

23. Please permit me to note that the handshake between Christmas Unplugged and the Christmas Carols’ Festival signposts a significant milestone in the destination marketing journey of our dear state. Nigeria and indeed the entire world have taken notice. This is evident in the upward surge of inward-bound tourism footfalls in the state. To most people, Akwa Ibom is increasingly being referred to as the emerging tourism Newfoundland.

24. Today, we stand on the brink of an extraordinary event, one that promises not only to entertain but also to leave lasting memories. As we get set to roll the drums of the season 17 of the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols’ Festival, please sit back and relax for a five-hour journey into the world of top-notch gospel entertainment.

25. The choir groups have been rehearsing for more than one month led by our music director, Mama Aity Dennis, whose energy levels and positivity are infectious. All members of the planning committee have left no stone unturned in getting set for this day, particularly our stage, sound and lighting team with the architect who meticulously interpreted the design of this stage which started as rough sketches on my iPad.

26. Your excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the choir groups are ready, the gospel musicians have flown in from far and wide, the cameras are ready to start clicking away, the technical teams are ready and the arena is well secured.

27. It is, therefore, an immense privilege to extend a warm and hearty welcome to all of us gathered here and to those watching on various multimedia platforms, I say this is the 2024 Edition of the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols’ Festival.

28. It is indeed another December to Remember in the only state on planet earth named after God Almighty – Akwa Ibom State.

29. Thank you and God Bless!

*_Being the welcome address of the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh,  at the 17th edition of the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols’ Festival at Unity Park, Uyo, on Friday, December 13, 2024_*