Vice Chancellor, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Prof. Barineme Beke Fakae (right), congratulating Prof. Tamunoene K. S. Abam, after the 33rd Inaugural Lecture at the Amphitheatre of the institution, in Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: Egberi A. Sampson
Rivers State
Broadcasting Corporation (RSBC), Port Harcourt recorded a huge success at the 12th edition of the Easter Choral Festival as a large number of guests from all walks of life turned out for the event held on Monday at the main bowl of the Alfred Diette Spiff Civic Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
In his address, the chairman of the occasion and Senior Pastor, the Recovery House, Port Harcourt, Pastor Ugochukwu Onachukwu, noted that the theme of this year’s festival “Calvary Melodies” was apt as the event was put together to honour God and the resurrected Jesus Christ.
According to him, “RSBC has found a worthy thing to do for Jesus at this Easter period, and the corporation has planted a tree of success in Christ and will reap success in all endeavours.” He challenged other corporations and agencies in the state to emulate the vision and mission of RSBC by recognising God and his son, Jesus in all their activities.
Pastor Onachukwu urged the corporation to produce an Easter album before the next edition of the festival. He assured that the album would be appreciated by all well meaning Christians.
He said he and his church would partner with the corporation to ensure the actualisation of the album.
Earlier in her welcome address, the General Manager of RSBC, Ms Mediline Tador, noted that this year’s choral festival was very crucial because it was the last edition in the life of the present administration led by His Excellency, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi whom she described as a lion heart.
She disclosed that the festival did not hold in 20111 due to the gubernatorial election. She therefore thanked God that this year’s election did not disrupt the annual Easter choral festival.
She lauded governor Amaechi and his wife, Dame Judith Amaechi for their immense contributions since the maiden edition of the festival in 2004.
She also commended the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, the Amayanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandison Douglas, the administrator of Greater Port Harcourt, Dame Aleruchi Cookey Gam as well as Alabo C. I. T. Wokoma and a host of others whose contributions led to the success of the festival over the years.
The highlights of the occasion included choral renditions by churches and groups, guest soloists such as Mrs Ibifiri Olungwe, the South Tenours, Sodienye O’ Mailey, special presentation by Najite (finalist, Nigeria Idol competition).
Special performance by the guest artiste, Buchi who stole the show by charging the crowd with melodious praise songs that brought them on their feet, singing, dancing and shouting praises to God and our Lord Jesus.
There were also exhortations by the Salvation Ministries, represented by Pastor Sampson Salem, followed by Hallelujah Chorus by G. F. Handel conducted by Alabo C. I. T. Wokoma.
Comedians were not left out as McChris and Dan D’Humerous succeeded in “Cracking some ribs with their hilarious jokes that saw the large crowd reeling with laughter, which added fun to the event.
Some of the dignitaries that graced the occasion were, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council and former Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Prof Nimi Briggs, Executive Director, RSSDA, Mr Noble Pepple, General Manager, Rivers State Newspaper Corporation (RSNC), Mr Celestine Ogolo, State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Opaka Dokubo, Bishop Norman Jonah and a host of others.