By Afolabi Sunday
The Methodist faithfuls of the Diocese of Ifaki celebrate Christ with a resounding eclat, praises and fun in its 8th edition of Christian Music Festival held in Aaye Ekiti yesterday 30th March, 2024.
The music festival which was an offspring of Oba Samuel Adebanji Ilori Foundation (OSAIF) was established purposely to immortalise the late traditional ruler of Orin Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adebanji ilori for his meritorious achievements and his deep faith in Christianity while he was alive.
In his keynote address, the Archbishop, Archdiocese of Ifaki, Most Rev. Dr, Sunday Oluyemisi Ogunlere said he was delighted to have in his Diocese, a legendary heritage of music festival aimed at promoting spirituality and enriching the soul of men. He noted further that, hymnody as part of Methodism has helped to enshrine the words of God in the hearts of Methodist and other Christian faithfuls, helping to strengthen their faith.
Inq his words, “we are here gathered again this year with joy and resolute mind to ‘Arise and Build’ upon the legacies handed down by our fathers, who toiled in chains and bond yet, an un-wavered resoluteness proclaimed the gospel and declared the glory of God. I want to appreciate OSAIF foundation for the vision and for sustaining it, also, the organising committee for doing a good job amidst other huge responsibility.”
He charged individual churches and various circuits and special areas to emulate the sponsors of this monumental music festival by promoting the rich heritage of Methodism in music by giving adequate support for quality music.
The founder of the foundation, Barr. Sir Olusegun Ilori said the foundation was set up on the occasion of the late Olorin’s thirty five years remembrance, to contribute to worthy courses and enhancement of his Christian belief in many areas, mostly, on inspiration to encourage the propagation of Christian hymns with the belief which our father instilled in us that “Methodist church was born in songs.”
Speaking further, the former Chief of Staff to His Excellency, chief Segun Oni said his father devoted his youth and adult to evangelism and priesthood under Methodist Church of Nigeria, therefore sponsoring this yearly music festival is in fulfilment of their covenant to God to be an instrument of evangelism of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
He reinstated further that the music festival was designed to be a vehicle for youth evangelism through hymns and spirit filled songs which has been the hallmark of Methodism.
“It has been part of our heritage from our father, late Oba Samuel Adebanji Ilori who served God and humanity in his lifetime. As you all know our late father served as catechist of this church for greater part of his life before ascending the throne of his fathers and continued to lead the people in the manner of the biblical Samuel,” he said.
According to the executive vice chairman of OSAIF foundation, choir represents a critical part of worship, the foundation has continued to use this programme to encourage the people to learn and improve on understanding the rudiments of soulful hymns.
In his speach at the event, former Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Chief Segun Oni said the late Olorin, Oba Samuel Adebanji Ilori was a catechist who served the Lord diligently and faithfully during his lifetime and these positive footprints have given cause for him to be celebrated and immortalised even in death.
He asserted further that, the late Oba took royalty from priesthood, that is why he was even more glorified in death. “So we can say that we are celebrating a man like David a royalty that was blessed by the hands of God.” He affirmed.
In his own contributions, the chairman, organising committee of the festival, Mr S. A Familoye said the 2024 edition of the music concert was a clear departure from what obtained in the past, he appealed to the diocese to consider the recommendations and observations from the organising committee so that the sustainability of the programme will be assured in the future.
He promised that the planning committee will go back to the drawing board and redesigned a better framework that will enhance the growth of the festival. He thanked the sponsors of the music festival, participants, and all the invited guests that graced the occasion.
Apart from the festival of songs, the foundation also introduced free medical service for the less privileged who cannot afford the high cost of medical treatment because of the harsh economy the country is facing presently.
The music festival which was filled with spirit lifting songs was well attended by some notable dignitaries among whom were, the former Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Chief Segun Oni, former Chief of Staff to the State Government, Barr. Sir Olusegun Ilori, and Olori Rachael Ilori. Others include, princess Adefemi Adeyemi, Susan Peju Ogundola, Mrs Susan Ogunlere and host of others.
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