By Rachael Oke
The 86th Choir Concert and Festival of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Yaba District Coordinating Council (DCC), came alive on Sunday, October 11, with an inspiring blend of classical compositions, soul-lifting hymns and culturally rich musical renditions, celebrating the theme, “Covenant Fulfillment (Singing a New Song).”
Held at the DCC headquarters in Yaba, Lagos, the festival brought together church leaders (ministers), music enthusiasts, dignitaries and friends of the choir from within and outside Nigeria for a memorable celebration of music, faith and thanksgiving.
The programme featured a mini concert and a festival session, each showcasing the choir's musical depth, versatility and commitment to using music as an instrument of worship and spiritual expression.
The mini concert opened a window into the choir's artistic repertoire, featuring a duet titled A Child's Prayer, a soprano solo rendition of Ma Jeun Ju by Kehinde Oretimehin, and a soprano duet of Climb Every Mountain, among other presentations.
The congregation was also treated to a semi-choir presentation of “I Have a Dream” by Mary Donnelly, alongside an organ solo and recital that further highlighted the instrumental and vocal talents within the music ministry.
The festival session commenced with a processional hymn, “For the Might of Thy Arm”, set to the Mountain Christian Tune, ushering in a rich sequence of choral performances that blended sacred classical music with indigenous and contemporary Christian compositions.
Among the standout presentations was “Baba, A De”, composed by the Director of Music of CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Elder Bidemi Oyesanya, and arranged by Ayo Ajayi. The choir also performed Herbert Brewer's Magnificat in D Major, adding a classical touch to the festival.
The hymn segment featured both anthems and congregational renditions, including “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”, “Our God Reigns” and “O Jesus, I Have Promised”, drawing the congregation into the atmosphere of worship.
A particularly poignant moment came with the rendition of “Wo Imole Larin Okun Aye”, performed in honour of the choir's late patron, Elder M. O. Omotosho; an old chorister, late Elder G. O. Salako; another former chorister, late Elder Samuel Omolola; and one of the choir's veterans, late Mr. Yinka Sowole. The tribute offered a moment of remembrance for the departed figures whose contributions remain part of the choir's history. The hymn “Wo Imole Larin Okun Aye”, is originally an English hymn written by John Henry Newman on June 16, 1833, while ill and delayed at sea returning from Sicily to England. It is titled "Lead, Kindly Light" - a prayer for enough light for the next step, not removal of darkness.
Originally titled "The Pillar of the Cloud" and later paired with John Bacchus Dykes's 1865 tune LUX BENIGNA, it moves from confession of past self-direction and pride to trust grounded in remembered providence. Its power lies in teaching faithful obedience through uncertainty, which is why it has endured in over 1,300 hymnals for transitions, grief, pilgrimage, and discernment.
The festival further celebrated cultural diversity through special anthem presentations, including “Toya”, an Igbo song accompanied by traditional Igbo musical instruments, and “Aseda Nnwom”, a Ghanaian thanksgiving song by Newlove Kojo Annan.
Other notable ministrations included “Fowo Kan Iseti Aso Re” another song on faith and healing power of Christ, composed by Jibola Oluyelu; as well as Ona Toro by Dr. D. K. Olukoya, arranged by Ayo Oluranti, alongside other classical compositions.
Adding a nostalgic touch to the occasion, old choristers of the church rendered Prince S. A. Adeosun's "Ko S'eni Bi Jesu" (There is none like Jesus) - an evergreen composition that extols the inestimable value of Christ's work of salvation - celebrating the enduring bond between the past and present generations of the choir.
Preaching on the theme, “Covenant Fulfillment,” Pastor Akintunde Akinwunmi of CAC Kings Household Assembly, Lagos, described covenant fulfillment as the nature of God, stressing that while God remains faithful to His promises, man also has a responsibility to play in their fulfillment.
He noted that many prophecies remain unfulfilled because the required human responsibilities have not been carried out, emphasizing that believers must fulfill their part to see God's promises come to pass.
Pastor Akinwunmi identified faith, obedience, and patience and endurance as three essential requirements for covenant fulfillment.
Citing Hebrews 11:6 and Luke 1:45, he urged the congregation to have faith in every word spoken by God, noting that faith is indispensable to receiving His promises.
He also referenced Deuteronomy 28:1, stressing that diligent obedience to God's instructions is key to experiencing the blessings He has promised.
On patience and endurance, the cleric explained that God works according to His appointed time, urging Christians to remain steadfast in His Word while waiting for its fulfillment. Citing Hebrews 10:35, he encouraged the congregation not to abandon their confidence in God, but to persevere in faith until His promises become a reality in their lives.
The choir festival attracted dignitaries, including the host, DCC Superintendent of Yaba DCC, Pastor S.E.A. Oludare, and his wife, Mrs Temitope Oludare; the Director of Music of CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Elder Bidemi Oyesanya (SAN), and his wife, Deaconess Mobola Oyesanya; the Superintendent of CAC Itire DCC, Pastor Gideon Oladokun; the Registrar and Secretary to the Council of the University of Lagos, Mrs Abosede Victoria Wickliffe; President, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mrs. Oyinkan Badejo-Okunsanya; as well as other notable guests and friends of the choir from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
