By Izunna Okafor, Awka
It was a historic moment of outpouring of worship, praise, culture and unity in Anambra State, over the weekend, hosted its 2025 Christmas Carol and Praise Night under the flagship Ọnwa Dezemba celebrations, with Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo declaring that “the Anambra’s hour has come.”
Held at the newly-remodeled Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka the Anambra State capital over, the colourful Carol and Praise Night, which blended deep spirituality, rich liturgical tradition, cultural expression and contemporary gospel music, attracted a massive convergence of Ndi Anambra from across the state and the diaspora. This was also described as indicative of a renewed confidence in the state’s security, social life and festive economy.
The Christmas Carol, widely described by attendees as unprecedented in scale and organisation, featured celebrated gospel artistes including Gozie Okeke, Buchi, Sir Jude Nnam and Ada Zion, whose electrifying ministrations transformed the iconic Square into a sea of worship, praise and exhilaration.
Beyond the performances, the night also stood out for its carefully curated structure, beginning with solemn hymn/worship and scripture readings and gradually transitioning into high-energy praise sessions, capturing both the sacred essence of Christmas and the celebratory spirit of Ọnwa Dezemba.
The programme opened with prayers and the Institution of the Word, followed by the Carol titled “The Good News,” rendered by the Government House Chaplaincy and Carol Choir, Awka, which set a reverent tone for the evening.
This was followed by the First Lesson (Genesis 3:8–19), read by the First Lady of the State, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo; after which the congregation joined in the hymn “O Come Emmanuel,” further evoking reflections on the redemptive message of Christmas.
The Deputy Governor of the State and Chairman of the Ọnwa Dezemba Planning Committee, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, further hauled the reflections with the fluently read Second Lesson from Genesis 22:11–18. This was followed by the hymn “There Shall Be Showers of Blessing,” led by the Carol Choir and Orchestra.
Psalm 150 was melodiously rendered by the Church of the Pentecost, Awka, while St. Cecilia’s Choir of the UNIZIK Chaplaincy thrilled the audience with the culturally resonant “Ekene Marịa,” composed by Rev. Fr. Dominic Igwe.
The Third Lesson, Luke 1:26–38, was read by the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, followed by deeply moving rendition of “Silent Night, Holy Night” by the Anambra State Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Mass Choir.
The Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, read the Fourth Lesson from Luke 2:1–7, after which the Government House Chaplaincy Choir rendered “Glorious Is the Name” and “Unto Us a Child Is Born.” The Church of the Pentecost, Awka, further led the congregation in “Akwa Nwa Ọhụụ,” among others that followed.
Addressing the crowd amid loud cheers and dancing, Governor Soludo described the night as the formal unveiling of Anambra’s renewed festive identity, declaring that Ọnwa Dezemba has come to stay in Anambra.
“This is only the beginning. The Anambra’s hour has come, and Anambra is rising and rising in power,” he stated.
The Governor expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to witness such a gathering, and to Ndi Anambra for their overwhelming support, noting that future editions would be bigger, better structured and broadcast live to a global audience.
Governor Soludo acknowledged the presence of eminent religious leaders, including the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, and the Archbishop on the Niger and Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Awka, Archbishop Alexander Ibezim. He also recognised traditional rulers led by the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Chidubem Iweka (Eze Iweka III), while also hailing the members of the State Executive Council, the legislature, and the judiciary, as well as labour leaders and security chiefs in the state.
The Governor also paid a paid glowing tribute to the Ọnwa Dezemba Organising Committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Ibezim, describing the event as a “teaser” and assuring that next year’s celebration would be “fun unlimited.”
The Governor further emphasized that Ọnwa Dezemba activities would run across the state until early January 2026, featuring masquerade festivals, children’s celebrations, cultural showcases, among other entertainment events.
He hinted on the much-anticipated Homecoming concert of the state’s music icon, Flavour n’Abalịa, scheduled for December 30 at the Solution Fun City, playfully promising to appear in his jeans and sneakers and challenge anyone bold enough to dance with him on stage that day.
Governor Soludo reassured residents and visitors that Anambra is safe and open for enjoyment, citing increased flight bookings and fully booked hotels as evidence of renewed confidence in the state.
Reflecting on the recent governorship election, he thanked Ndi Anambra for what he described as an unprecedented mandate, emphasizing that governance is a collective responsibility anchored on partnership between the government and the people. He further re-assured that the state is one of the safest in the country today, while also urging Ndị Anambra to continue to live up to their civic responsibilities to complement the state government’s efforts towards making Anambra a liveable and prosperous homeland as well as actualizing the state’s Vision 2070.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen, the State’s Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Hon. Don Onyenji, described the Christmas Carol as a strategic statement to the world that Anambra State is peaceful, culturally vibrant and ready for investment and tourism.
According to him, Ọnwa Dezemba has been institutionalised in the state’s calendar, with over 100 events taking place across communities, cultural groups and entertainment platforms, adding that the initiative would continue to expand annually.
On his own part, the Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu, described the carol as the first of its kind in Anambra, noting that starting the festive season with praise and worship was symbolic of the state’s dependence on God for sustained progress.
He attributed the massive turnout and late-night festivity to improved security and infrastructure, describing Anambra as one of the safest states in Nigeria during the festive period.
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, gathered that among parts of the most visually striking moments of the night was the traditionally crafted depiction of the birthplace of Jesus Christ, carefully pitched within the Square. Designed in line with the nativity tradition, the scene featured live animals, including goats, rams and fowls, obviously lending a rare sense of realism to the setting.
The nativity was brought to life through a dramatic re-enactment of the birth and presentation of Christ, with characters portraying Mary, Joseph, the Three Wise Men and other biblical figures, who played their respective parts as a real newborn baby was gently presented as the infant Jesus, further drawing prolonged applause and admiration from the audience, many of whom took pictures to save the memories.
The scenes and the displays, though simple yet deeply symbolic, also became a focal point of the night, while also reinforcing the spiritual essence of the season beyond the music and performances.
Concluded with a benediction by Archbishop Alexander Ibezim, the night was not without light refreshments for participants, allowing them to relax, interact and fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of fun and fellowship that defined the evening.
More photos from the event:
