Last night at the Christmas Funfair and Street Praise, the people of Bonny Kingdom in Rivers State, Nigeria led by foremost gospel artistes, Steve Crown, Preye Odede, Empraiz, Victoria George, amongst others literally shattered the limits of worship as they engaged in exhilarating singing, dancing and adoration of the Most High God.
Speaking to Kristina Reports during the event, Chairman of Bonny Council of Chiefs (BCC), Se-Alabo Dagogo Wilcox declared that Christmas Day should rather be a day of worship to God Almighty.
The Christmas Funfair and Street Praise, an annual worship fiesta, was jointly organized by the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Bonny and Mayor Ala Hart Foundation.
Describing the fiesta, which was attended by the Vice Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Anengi Barasua, as ‘100 per cent excellent”, Chief Wilcox, who is also the Chief and Head of Wilcox Chieftaincy House of Bonny Kingdom, said “This is one of the best praise concerts I have seen for some time now. Last year was something but this is 100 per cent excellent.”
“I am a Christian and I stand by that. People have their opinion about things. I stand by the fact that at Christmas time we should worship God. I used to be part of the Ukemkpa Nwaotam, I was the Vice Chairman but you know when you grow up and you see that certain things are wrong you just have to stay away from them.”
“I am a Christian and I stand very firm on Christianity. God has given us all the opportunity, it is just for us all to choose. So, at the end of the day you will have to stand for yourself,” the retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Nigerian Army said.
On his part, Chief Host of the Christmas Funfair and Street Praise and Dean of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Bonny, Very Reverend Richard Hart expressed delight over the success of the event, attributing it to God Almighty.
He declared that “In the first place, it is important that we remind ourselves that we are children of God and that we owe God daily praises. And by the grace of God this is one of the arrangements that the church has been able to put together.”
The revered clergy presiding over the oldest cathedral in sub-Saharan Africa explained that this was “to ensure that God is properly hallowed on a holy day like this. This is one of the most holy days of the Christians. And so, we have come together to make sure that we glorify the name of Lord”.
Also speaking, Co-Host of the event and Chairman, Bonny Integrated Recruitment Centre (BIRC), Mayor Aladiokuma Hart thanked the people of Bonny for turning out en masse for the event, expressing thanks to God Almighty for making the event a memorable one.
He posited that partnering with the church to provide an atmosphere of worship for the people of the area was a lifetime fulfilment for him, noting that “shouldn’t we rather worship God for all He has done for us.”
“This the end of the year and we are all coming back home to spend the holidays, I thought it was wise for all of us to come together at this time to offer worship to God who has been responsible for the blessings we have received in the year”.
Other gospel artistes who performed at the Christmas Funfair and Street Praise include Charles Longjohn, Pastor Alfred, Ebeide Ekie, Sensational Bamidele, Molly B, Nat Oliva, and Ibtex while stand comedians MC JP and MC TI also provided rib cracking jokes that spiced up the night.
There were food stands with diverse delicacies, snacks, and drinks available for sale to participants during the event. Armed police operatives deployed around the venue of the fiesta by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Bonny, Shu’aib Achigil, provided maximum security throughout the duration of the event.
As such no ugly incidents or untoward eventualities were recorded throughout the event.
Participants were so excited to be part of the event that they applauded, danced and sang elatedly as artiste after artiste performed throughout the event that ended about midnight. The 24/7 power supply and lighted streets of Bonny made it easier for everyone to get home safely after the event.
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