Scholarship and faith struck a rhythm recently when the Creative Arts Department of the University of Lagos held its annualAfrica Sings choral concert. The concert that started in 2005 featured several musical performances, but it was particularly significant because of the involvement of the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles church, Pastor Daniel Olukoya.
The programme that focused on Olukoya’s choral compositions featured the Wura Choral, Kakaki Voices, Odidere Choral, Okaka Choral and the Amuludun Chorale groups.
With a large audience and judges, first group to perform was Wura Choral, followed by Kaakaki Voices and others.
Eventually, Amuludun emerged victorious, winning N1m first prize, presented to it by Olukoya. Okaka was second, winning N750,000; Odidere came third and got N500,000, presented by Prof. Duro Oni; while Kakaki and Wura came fourth and fifth, and got N250,000 each.
Speaking at the event, Olukoya noted that he was impressed by the students’ performances. He, however, urged everyone to do whatever they are involved in with a clear mission and in consonance with the will of God.
He said, “l am highly impressed by the performances of the students Music is the outlet of our feelings. But anything you do outside God is a waste. What l studied in Unilag did not change my life, Jesus changed my life.”
He recalled that many old people did not have the kind of opportunities that pupils and students of nowadays have. He thus enjoined them to make the best use of the opportunities.
“ Our primary school was so primitive that the teachers didn’t look at a child’s age before they admitted him or her. You would be asked to stretch your hand across head to your ear. If your hand could get to your ear, you would be admitted to the primary school. But if your hand didn’t get to your ear, you would be asked to come back the following year. Then you would have to go to school with blackboards
PUNCH
No comments:
Post a Comment