News Agency of Nigeria
3-day Fida’u prayer held for late former President Buhari in Daura
Religious

3-day Fida’u prayer held for late former President Buhari in Daura

142 total views today
By Salisu Sani-Idris
A three-day (Fida’u) prayer was on Thursday offered for the repose of the soul of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari who died on Sunday in a London hospital.
The prayer session, which took place at Buhari’s residence in Daura, was attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Gov. Dikko Radda and the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Amb. Babagana Kingibe.
Also present were the Emirs of Katsina, Daura, Bade, Sultan of Maradi from Niger Republic, former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN and Amb. Adamu Daura.
The prayer also had former Gov. Aminu Masari, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’adua and the former National Security Adviser to the President, Babagana Munguno.
Others were the former Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ahmed Rufai, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, business magnet, Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, Buhari’s nephew, Alhaji Mamman Daura, former FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello and thousands of sympathisers from various walks of life.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prayer session was opened by the former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Ali Pantami.
Pantami emphasised the need for constant prayers for all the departed souls including the late Buhari, stating that prayer for the departed souls should not be restricted to a number of days.
Other scholars who offered prayer included Prof. Ibrahim Makari of the Abuja National Mosque, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, Bishop of Katsina, Mamman Musa, Khalifa Mohammad Nasir and Malam Hassan Daura, among others.
Similarly, the Minister of State Agriculture, Sen. Aliyu Abudullahi, on behalf of the members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), prayed to Allah to cover the grave of Buhari with mercy and admit him into Aljannah.
In his remarks, Shettima said, “Ibn Khaldun reminds us that the goal of civilisation is the attainment of justice, for justice is the bone that holds human society together.
“It was justice as he understood it that President Muhammadu Buhari pursued. Often misunderstood but always with sincerity.
“When you are in power, your friends know you, when you are out of power you know your friends.
“In death, President Muhammadu Buhari has proved to the world that he is indeed the greatest son of Africa.
“May Allah grant his soul eternal rest and reward him with Aljannah. May Allah forgive his shortcomings. “
The vice-president, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, expressed gratitude to Radda for the reception and kind gesture accorded to the Federal Government delegation throughout their stayed in the state.
“We have been together with the Governor right from London to Nigeria. He gave a warm reception and all the necessary support,” he said.
According to him, Tinubu is personally pained by loss of his friend, brother and political soul mate Buhari.
Shettima assured that the Federal Government, under the leadership of Tinubu, would continue to protect the image and dignity of Buhari’s family and the entire people of Katsina State.
The vice-president revealed that he would proceed to Abuja with the family of late Buhari to attend a Special Valedictory Federal Executive Council (FEC) in honour of the deceased.
Earlier, Radda said the deceased rendered selfless service to the nation, adding that nobody disputed the fact that he was an honest and just person.
He thanked Tinubu and the vice-president for honouring the remains of late Buhari, saying, “we the people of Katsina state, we don’t have a word to thank the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We appreciate President Tinubu who has shown compassion, respect for the people of Katsina State and the nation entirely.
“Tinubu has allowed 25 members of his cabinet under the leadership of the vice-president Shettima to be in Katsina State.
“The 25 ministers supported us at this trying moment and we also thank the President for declaring public holiday on the day Buhari was laid to rest.”
Also, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said late Buhari has an important place in the national history of Nigeria.
He, therefore, appealed to all Nigerians to continue to pray for the repose of the soul of Buhari as being reminded by Islamic clerics.
“We want to thank all of you on behalf of the 25 ministers as directed by Mr President, for finding time to offer prayers to our President and also participate in these national assignments.
“Because, indeed former President Buhari belongs to Daura, Katsina, Nigeria and indeed belongs to the world,” the minister said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
Yobe board dedicates Qur’anic Recitation competition in honour of Buhari
Religious

Yobe board dedicates Qur’anic Recitation competition in honour of Buhari

112 total views today

By Ahmed Abba

The Yobe State Arabic and Islamic Education Board (AISEB) on Tuesday flagged off its Qur’anic Recitation competition at the local government level in honour of late President Muhammadu Buhari.

The ceremony, held in Damaturu, was dedicated to the memory of Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13.

Dr Umar Abubakar, Executive Secretary of AISEB, said the event marked the beginning of the state’s 2025 Qur’anic Recitation Competition at the grassroots level.

He noted that the timing of the event coincided with the passing of the late President and that a special prayer was offered for the repose of his soul.

“We seize this opportunity to offer a special prayer, asking Allah to forgive his shortcomings and bestow mercy upon him.

“The entire reward of this two-week-long competition is dedicated to him in honour of his contributions to the country,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was in collaboration with Plan International, Yobe Field Office.

It featured the distribution of 99 hygiene kits to Almajiri pupils and the presentation of awards to 300 Islamiyya pupils who excelled in Qur’anic memorisation.

Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni, stressed the importance of Qur’anic education in shaping the moral and intellectual foundations of society.

Buni, who was represented by Prof. Bello Kawuwa, the Commissioner for Higher Education said: “This initiative is part of our broader efforts to advance Qur’anic education in Yobe and Nigeria at large.

“Qur’anic education plays a vital role in shaping our values, guide our actions, and preserve our religious identity,” the governor stated.

Also speaking, Ms Halima Jibril, Project Officer at Plan International, Yobe Field Office, said the support was informed by the need to improve hygiene conditions among Almajiri children.

“Plan International has been working with AISEB since 2019, supporting the establishment of community schools and providing educational materials.

“This year, we decided to support hygiene by providing kits containing antiseptic soap, Vaseline, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other essentials,” she said.

She added that poor hygiene remained a critical challenge among Almajiri children and such interventions were necessary to promote their health and well-being. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Northern CAN mourns Buhari, says Nigeria has lost a father figure
Religious

Northern CAN mourns Buhari, says Nigeria has lost a father figure

154 total views today
By Mohammad Tijjani
The Northern Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a father figure whose leadership left a lasting imprint on the nation’s development.
In a statement released in Kaduna on Sunday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said the passing of the former president marks the end of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political evolution.
He stated that although opinions were divided on some of Buhari’s policies while in office, there was no denying his strong sense of patriotism, discipline, and commitment to national unity.
According to him, Buhari’s contribution to the Nigerian state, both as a military leader and a democratically elected president, would continue to shape national discourse for generations to come.
He recalled that Buhari first led the country as Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985 and later served two terms as President from 2015 to 2023, a statesman that launched the “War Against Indiscipline and Corruption.“
The Northern CAN chairman extended condolences to the former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, and the entire family.
He urged them to take solace in the legacy of public service left behind by the late leader as he offered prayers for God’s comfort and strength for the family during this period of mourning.
Hayab commended President Bola Tinubu for the manner in which he has responded to the loss, especially by declaring national mourning and instructing Vice-President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany the late president’s remains back to Nigeria.
He further encouraged Nigerians to honour Buhari’s memory by fostering unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence across political and religious divides.
Hayab explained that while Nigerians may hold different views about his leadership, it was only proper to remember the former president with dignity and gratitude for his sacrifices.
NAN recalls that Buhari died in London at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, following a prolonged illness.
 Tinubu has ordered that national flags be flown at half-staff in honour of the late statesman. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
Cleric urges Christians to submit fully to God’s will
Religious

Cleric urges Christians to submit fully to God’s will

149 total views today

By Taiye Agbaje

Pastor Alex Ogundipe of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Daki-Biyu District, Kubwa, Abuja, on Sunday urged Christians to be ready to submit to God’s will to succeed in their spiritual journey.

Ogundipe, the senior pastor, made the call during the church’s 20th anniversary celebration.

He said many people miss God’s mercy because they fail to obey divine instructions, citing the story of Jonah who disobeyed God’s command to preach in Nineveh.

“Until we completely comply with His directive and align with Him, nothing is going to work,” he said, referencing Jonah 2:8.

He also urged Christians to emulate Isaac, who willingly submitted to Abraham at Moriah, saying, “You must go to Moriah, like Isaac, before getting to your Rehoboth, a place of rest and fruitfulness.”

Ogundipe added that Christians must surrender to Jesus, obey His teachings, and grow in the word of God.

He said the church’s core mandate is evangelism, hence its name: “Centre for Deliverance Through Evangelism.”

Also speaking, Pastor Bisi Olanrewaju, in a sermon titled “My Life: His Tabernacle,” said believers must renew their lives and deepen their relationship with Christ.

He said one’s life becomes God’s tabernacle through being born again, studying scripture daily, maintaining regular devotion, and seeking guidance from more experienced Christians.

Highlights of the event included cutting of the anniversary cake, thanksgiving offerings, presentation of gifts, and praise sessions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the church was established through a divine calling on July 10, 2005. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Kaduna Church donates to Muslims, retired clerics to promote interfaith harmony
Religious

Kaduna Church donates to Muslims, retired clerics to promote interfaith harmony

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By Ezra Musa

Bishara Baptist Church has donated N50,000 each to twelve Muslim faithful, four retired Christian Clerics in a rare gesture to promote religious tolerance and unity.

Rev. Nathan Chawaison, the church pastor, who led the initiative on Sunday in Kaduna, said the donation was a practical expression of Christ’s love and a call for peaceful coexistence.

“Jesus gave His life for humanity. As children of God, we are compelled to give, regardless of faith or status.

“The beneficiaries were selected based on verified needs and community recommendations to encourage interfaith cooperation,” Chawaison revealed.

He said Jonathan Yahaya, a community leader was nominated by the Muslim recipients for championing interfaith peace in Malali and Millennium City, while the retired clerics were drawn from the Retirees Fellowship of Baptist and ECWA Churches.

“This is to remind both Christians and Muslims that we are called to be agents of peace and unity,” the cleric noted.

One of the Muslim beneficiaries, Bisa Abdulsalam, described the gesture as surprising and deeply touching.

“I never imagined receiving such kindness from a Christian body. It shows our shared humanity must come first,” he said.

Also speaking, Rev. Saminu Gambo said the support was both humbling and symbolic.

“This goes beyond money. It is a bridge of understanding and unity,” he added. (NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Onaiyekan urges leaders to tackle hunger, poverty
Religious

Onaiyekan urges leaders to tackle hunger, poverty

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By Peter Okolie

Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has charged the nation’s leaders to tackle hunger and poverty, saying that economic statistics alone do not reflect the harsh reality faced by many Nigerians.

 

Onaiyekan said this in a homily at Rev. Fr. Maurice Emelu’s 20th priestly ordination and 50th birthday celebration at the Church of Immaculate Conception, Umuchima in Ideato South Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo.

 

He said that “15 to 20 years ago, Nigeria was poor but not hungry.

 

“Today, unfortunately, Nigerians are hungry,” the cleric said.

 

He said that rather than focus on the big statistics that Nigeria economy was doing well, “leaders should focus on alleviating hunger and poverty in the land”.

 

Onaiyekan said: “This promise of a better future and, therefore, we should accept the difficulties around us is not acceptable.

 

“Our politicians are talking of renewed hope, with little or nothing to sustain such hope, which for many has turned into hopelessness.

 

“There is a growing burden of poverty in our nation, a tragic irony in a nation richly blessed by God.

 

“President Bola Tinubu should not just listen to his advisers, but should come down and eat with the poor to feel their pains,” he said.

 

Onaiyekan, who affirmed the Church’s commitment to social welfare through education and healthcare, advocated renewed collaboration between the church and government to improve public services for all.

 

He commended Emelu’s initiative to feed over 1,000 families, calling it an exemplary act.

 

He urged Nigerians, at home and abroad, to combat the nation’s multidimensional poverty with similar gesture.

 

In a speech, the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, Mr Peter Obi, said that Nigeria was currently passing through a difficult period.

 

Obi, who joined other dignitaries to serve food to the guests present, expressed a desire for a Nigeria where collective wellbeing was prioritised.

 

“This is the way we want our society to be, a society where people care for the needy.

 

“We want more of Fr. Maurice and individuals who care for the poor,” he said.

 

Also, Sen. Osita Izunaso, representing Imo West (Orlu) Senatorial District, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Emelu.

 

Izunaso specifically commended Emelu for his profound compassion and efforts in “bringing home what God has blessed him with”.

 

A federal lawmaker, Rep. Uchenna Okonkwo, representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, also lauded Emelu’s initiative, praising his selfless act of honouring the needy.

 

Okonkwo, who emphasised its timely significance amidst the nation’s current economic challenges, said that “Emelu’s motif of dedication, grace, and philanthropic assistance to the less privileged should be emulated”.

 

Responding, Emelu, a Professor of Communication and Digital Media and founder of the U.S.-based non-governmental organisation, Gratia Vobis Ministries, Inc., said the occasion concluded a four-day charity programme.

 

He described the charitable endeavour as “an act of faith, a manifestation of the Jubilee of Hope, and a testament to what God has placed in my heart.”

 

“Four years ago, during a deep moment of prayer, the Lord put it in my heart to treat the poorest of the poor in our midst like kings and queens,” Emelu said.

 

He said that beneficiaries, carefully selected from the five South-East states after an eight-month research period, involving village leaders, journalists, and a guiding priest, were transported in air-conditioned buses and later made to walk on red carpet.

 

He said he had a divine instruction to eat on the same table with the beneficiaries and personally serve them to underscore the humility and reverence at the core of the initiative.

 

Emelu disclosed a comprehensive plan to establish a skill acquisition center in Umuchima Community to train and educate youths and women in various skills, fostering self-reliance and long-term economic empowerment.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries were given 1,000 bags of 50kg rice and cash donations for condiments, designed to sustain them for one month.

 

Emelu also offered a full scholarship to Miss Uchechi Akuzie, covering her university education, “in a significant symbolic gesture of future empowerment”.

 

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Tina Muoghalu, from Isiokpo in Ideato North LGA of the state, thanked Emelu, saying that the gesture had encouraged her with hope for the future.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah

Conflict resolution: NGO advocates de-politicisation of religion
Religious

Conflict resolution: NGO advocates de-politicisation of religion

185 total views today
By EricJames Ochigbo/Sumaila Ogbaje

The Search for Common Ground (SFCG-Nigeria) has urged leaders at all levels to de-politicise religion and ethnicity in ongoing efforts to resolve root causes of conflicts in the country.

The National Conflict and Policy Analyst at SFCG-Nigeria, Mr Andy Nkemneme, made the call in an interview on the sidelines of the 2nd annual National Steering Committee meeting with religious actors in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SFCG-Nigeria National Steering Committee on Promoting and Protecting Freedom of Religion or Belief Project is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Abuja.

The project, which was inaugurated two years ago, is focused on preventing violence and safeguarding individuals from being targeted due to their faith or religious beliefs.

Nkemneme said that all stakeholders must stop radicalising and politicising religion as it should be seen as a personal relationship with God.

He said that the government must fulfill its constitutional responsibility in protecting life and property.

He emphasised fundamental freedoms as enshrined in Section 38 of the Constitution which guarantees the freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

Nkemneme also cautioned against the misrepresentation of criminal activities as religious violence, citing instances where banditry and kidnapping were falsely labelled as faith-based attacks, thus escalating tensions.

“We politicise religion, we radicalise religion, we do various things with religion in the country.

“At the end of the day, you are not solving the problem because religion might not be the problem.

“To some of us, we even believe that Nigeria has no religious problem, we find out that our politicians, our leaders, use religion to get to their ends and that is a big challenge to us.

“Our call to the government is to look beyond politics when it comes to conflicts in the country,” he said.

He said the cost of conflict is so much and so deep that society needs to look at the real causes to avoid missing the point.

“So the government should go beyond politicising issues and try to solve the problems by looking at the root causes of the problem,” he said.

The analyst said SFCG-Nigeria had in two years of its existence, recorded and addressed over 635 cases of religious-related violations.

According to him, this was done through a comprehensive response system involving early warning mechanisms and a network of community monitors.

Also speaking, a cleric, Pastor Ade Kunle, emphasised the need to encourage tolerance and understanding among religious practitioners.

He said that people should learn to understand issues from the other person’s perspective, saying that religion is a personal thing.

According to him, almost everybody under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) belongs to one religion or the other.

He explained that if anyone wants a vehicle fixed or a plumber, he does not ask what religion the technician practices nor does he confirm the region of a pilot before boarding a plane.

In his remarks, Alhaji Muhammad Khalid, a Muslim cleric, observed that people fight, kill and destroy property in the name of differences of culture, religion and sometimes in differences of economic pursuance.

Khalid who is popularly known as “Digital Imam” said that the SFCG-Nigeria initiative was important as it creates a forum where people learn to protect and promote rights of religion, learn to tolerate one another and identify and resolve early signs of violence.

“I am appealing to the government to make sure that this kind of programme will be sustainable, and I am appealing to the citizens not to wait for the government.

“We have well-meaning Nigerians who are concerned about peace in the country. Let them search for organisations and programmes that will build and promote peace in Nigeria, like the Search for Common Ground.

“We have seen what they are doing, and we can sustain their programmes or collaborate with the foreign donors and support them,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Sultan, CAN pledge joint action on GBV prevention, survivor justice
Judiciary , Religious

Sultan, CAN pledge joint action on GBV prevention, survivor justice

234 total views today

By Justina Auta

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have reaffirmed their commitment to ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

Their stance was emphasised during a capacity-building session for faith-based organisations on GBV, jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice and UN Women, with support from the Ford Foundation on Friday in Abuja.

The Sultan stated, “Our personal presence here shows that we are very much aware of this, we are very committed, and we are deeply concerned about this violence being meted out to our people.

“It is high time we come out fully to tackle this monster, this scourge that has been inflicted on us by us, because human beings are the ones doing this.”

He highlighted the importance of promoting girl-child education and upholding family values, calling it both a religious obligation and a national imperative.

“Educating the girl-child will give them the strength and knowledge to defend themselves, avoid dangers, and take action against intruders,” he added.

The Sultan also acknowledged that GBV affected men and stressed the importance of unity, urging faith communities to collaborate across religious lines and with government institutions to eradicate GBV.

Also, Rev. Fr. Anselm Olorunfemi-Ologunwa, Chairman of CAN, Ondo State, described GBV as a gross violation of human rights, dignity, and human worth.

He called on spiritual leaders to play a proactive role in preventing GBV and ensuring access to justice for survivors.

“We must work together to address the root causes of GBV, including harmful traditional practices, gender inequality, and lack of access to education and economic opportunities,” he said.

He also urged faith leaders to support survivors, promote a culture of dignity, and advocate for policy changes that would protect the rights of women and girls.

Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, urged faith-based leaders to encourage survivors to speak out, refer cases to law enforcement, and help build community-led prevention and rehabilitation systems.

He also proposed the establishment of safe spaces in churches and mosques.

“The formal justice system cannot succeed without your partnership.

“The law cannot walk alone, it needs feet in the community. Those feet are yours,” Fagbemi said.

Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasised the role of religious institutions in protecting the vulnerable.

She urged faith communities to take an active stance in creating safe and supportive environments for all.

“Let this session ignite conviction and let our places of worship and religious platforms become citadels of protection and moral clarity.

“No faith condones abuse, no scripture justifies violence, and no tradition must override human dignity,” she said.

Mrs Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, represented by Deputy Country Representative Mrs Patience Ekeoba, added: “We are here to support, to learn, and to act together.

“Ending GBV is not only a moral imperative but also a shared responsibility and a pathway to peace and prosperity.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

CAN sues for stronger legislation to protect victims of GBV
Religious

CAN sues for stronger legislation to protect victims of GBV

271 total views today

By Philomina Attah

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Monday, advocated stronger enforcement mechanisms to protect victims of gender-based violence and to hold perpetrators accountable.

The association also called on church leaders to lead the fight against violence inflicted on women and girls in the country.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said this at the inauguration of the Gender-Based Violence Prevention Project in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, with the theme, “Christian Leaders’ Response to Violence Against Women and Girls”, brought together faith leaders, civil society organisations, and advocates.

Okoh stressed the urgency of the theme, while noting the prevalence of abuse and exploitation faced by women and girls in communities across Nigeria.

“We are daily confronted with heartbreaking stories of abuse, exploitation, and violence, often perpetrated in silence.

“CAN is committed through this project to work with churches across all blocs by raising awareness of gender-based violence and its devastating impact on families and communities.

“We will train clergy and church workers on how to identify, prevent, and respond to cases of abuse.

“We will also promote survivor-centred support systems that affirm the dignity of women and girls,” he said.

He urged Christian leaders to break the culture of silence and shame, calling for an end to the anomaly.

“As Christian leaders, we must join forces with other humanitarian organisations that want an end to this anomaly.

“Men and women of God must not be silent when women are being brutalised in their homes and communities.

“The church must not be indifferent when girls are denied education, dignity, or protection. As Christian leaders, we have the moral responsibility to protect the weak and vulnerable around us.

“We must use our voices, pulpits and influence to break the culture of silence and shame that often surrounds gender-based violence,” the archbishop said.

Meanwhile, he commended the Ford Foundation and WEWE for their tireless work in promoting gender justice and supporting faith-based approaches to social transformation.

He highlighted the importance of collaboration between faith-based and humanitarian organisations.

“This partnership represents what can be achieved when faith meets action and compassion is translated into advocacy and service,” he said.

Quoting Isaiah 1:17, Okoh reminded the audience of the biblical instruction to defend the cause of the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.

He urged the church to follow Jesus’ example by creating safe spaces and speaking out against injustice. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Sandra Umeh

N30m up for grabs in Gbenga Daniel Choir competition
Religious

N30m up for grabs in Gbenga Daniel Choir competition

289 total views today

By Chioma Ugboma

The Organisers of the Sen. Gbenga Daniel Choir Competition, “The Asiwaju of Remo Christians Choir Festival competition”, says N30 million is up for grabs in the 2025 competition slated for July 6.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the festival is an annual event founded and sponsored in the last 20 years by Daniel, the Senator representing Ogun East.

NAN recalls that the festival, held annually in Ogun, was expanded in the last four years to include price for winners to make it more competitive and for participation by choirs nationwide and beyond the country.

Addressing newsmen on Monday in Lagos, Daniel said he was motivated by his experience as a member of the Baptist Boys’ High School, Ogun, as a chorister and college pianist.

The senator said that music played a pivotal role in shaping his spiritual and musical journey.

“These formative experiences laid the foundation for my passion for music and its potential to inspire and uplift others,” he said.

The senator said he realised that he could use the festival to mould and influence the values and morals of the younger generation.

“So much has changed in the society with people no longer asking questions on morals.

“My passion is how to support upcoming generations and change the psyche of our people using this festival.

“We need to create more interest in music/choir and use it to influence the upbringing of future generations, influencing their morals and redirecting them to what is right.

“Growing up, people ask the source of sudden wealth but these days, nobody cares. The moral decadence is such that must be addressed.

“This is one of the ways I chose to influence the young minds into being disciplined and doing the right thing,” he said.

The Asiwaju of Remo urged parents to do more in changing the value system, which he said, would go a long way in reshaping the society.

Also speaking, Dr Opeyemi Asaolu, Curator and Member of the Organising Board of the festival, said 850 choristers are expected at the event.

Asaolu said the 2025 event would hold at Abraham Tabernacle Church, Sagamu, Ogun State, an Ecumenical Church under the management of the Nigerian Baptist Convention.

Asaolu said nine choirs qualified for the competition against the usual six choirs in the past three editions.

“The only choir that has automatic qualification for the competition is the host choir, the Abraham Tabernacle Choir.

“Also, the choir defending its winning title qualifies automatically for the next.

“The total amount of prize to be won at this year’s edition of the Choir Festival is N30 million, with the winner going home with N5 million.

“The second prize is N3.5 million, the third prize is N2.5 million, fourth prize N1 million, fifth prize is N900,000, sixth prize is N800,000, seventh prize N700,000, eight prize N600,000 and ninth prize N500,000.

“We have 21 observing choirs and they will go home with N500,000 each,” he said.

He said participants were chosen after auditioning, saying that the choirs for the 2025 edition, from various parts of the country were selected after auditioning.

He urged Nigerians to join in sponsoring the festival to make room for greater participation.

The 2024 edition was held in Remo, Sagamu, hometown of Daniel, a former governor of Ogun and Asiwaju of Remo.

In 2024, N10 million was set aside as prizes for participants, with the winning choir receiving N3 million, as against the N5 million for the winning choir in the 2025 competition.

NAN reports that other members of the Governing Board of the festival are
Ms Lilian Imoni, Dr Adeola Badru and Mr Seun Owoaje. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

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