On a serene Friday night at Basilica Square, Onitsha, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, reaffirmed his enduring passion for Gospel music as he graced this year’s Unusual Praise Gospel Music outreach. The event drew a staggering crowd of over 25,000 faithful, including members of the clergy, religious, and laypersons, who celebrated the evening in an atmosphere of devotion, music, and fellowship.
Twenty Gospel artistes, including the AVOMA Kids, students of the Archbishop Valerian Okeke Music Academy, delivered inspiring performances that captivated the audience until the early hours of the morning. Archbishop Okeke took to the stage to welcome attendees, expressing gratitude for the smooth proceedings and the palpable sense of community. “I am grateful to God that things are going on smoothly. This is a home of peace and joy. It is the home of the biggest market in West Africa and home of the only Basilica in Nigeria. May this gathering bring blessings and joy to all of you,” he declared.
In his remarks, the Archbishop also acknowledged the orderly conduct of the crowd and prayed that all present would depart fulfilled in spirit. “My prayer is that none of you will go home empty-handed, and that your intentions in attending here are realised,” he said.
Rev. Fr. Celestine Aniofor delivered a stirring Gospel ministration titled “Only Jesus Can Save and Only Him Remains Your God,” urging Christians to remain steadfast in faith and to refrain from seeking shortcuts or external solutions for spiritual and material challenges. According to Fr. Aniofor, devotion to Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament is sufficient to overcome life’s adversities for those who believe wholeheartedly.
Adding a pastoral dimension, the Onitsha Archdiocesan Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Dr. George Adimike, led prayers for the sick, the poor, and those seeking the fruit of the womb. He further petitioned for peace and the cessation of violence across the nation, particularly in Anambra State.
The evening culminated in a thanksgiving Mass presided over by Monsignor Paschal Nwaezeapu of Unusual Praise Group Lagos, assisted by Rev. Frs. Emmanuel Megwalu and Nnamdi Okpalaugo. In his homily, Fr. Megwalu implored God to relieve attendees of their burdens and bless them abundantly. Monsignor Nwaezeapu expressed profound gratitude to Archbishop Okeke for his unwavering support, as well as to sponsors and members of the Unusual Praise team at the Basilica, particularly Mrs. Tina Igbokwe and Lady Ndidi Ononye, for their tireless dedication.
A highlight of the evening was the empowerment of 20 youths with cash grants for entrepreneurship. Archbishop Okeke, together with Unusual Praise officials, handed over cheques to the young entrepreneurs, who had undergone prior training on leveraging the funds to establish or expand their businesses.
Prominent Gospel artistes, including Sir Jude Nnam (The Ancestor), Chinyere Udoma, Nkiru Emmanuel, Rosemary Chukwu, Queen Edegwa, and Izuka Kennedy, delivered electrifying performances that elevated the spiritual and cultural significance of the outreach.
The event celebrated Gospel music as a vehicle for spiritual renewal and demonstrated Archbishop Okeke’s commitment to youth empowerment, community engagement, and the promotion of peace. For thousands gathered at Basilica Square, it was a night of inspiration, music, and hope—a testament to the transformative power of faith in action.