Every nation, tribe, kingdom or entity has its custom and culture which to an extent regulates activities, practice and day to day running of its existence as a society.
Obolo as a nation is not left out of these, as she also has her culture.
Before the advent of Christianity in Obolo as a nation there was the belief in the traditional system, off-course such that majority were immersed in it.
Activities of such sort were not only carried out but performed to complement the belief of the people at that time, hence, the many seasons prescribed or allotted to certain idol’s worship. In Obolo nation, there were the practice of ifitukpook (Ofiokpo) Secret Night Cult, Mgbe-gbe, Mgbe Cult and several others which had its activities until recently that God in His ways decided to do away with them.
The way and manner believers in these idols worship them were dreaded such that non-member could not walk on the way during its season. That was festival in which they honour what they believe in.
But light and darkness cannot dwell in the same environment since light is not only preferable, admired but constitutes progress and life as Christianity is life, light and progress as its leader and savior, Christ.
The entrance of Christianity into Obolo land and its massive embrace, acceptance and practices, it has in no small measure enthrone Obolo (Andoni) on a great light as compared to yesterday.
One thing is significant with the Obolo (Andoni) man. An Andoni man is always known for his firm believes and faith that whatever he does, nothing distracts his attention.
Up till date, a true Andoni and Christian fellow does not compromise his faith irrespective of challenges, hence the fast spread of Christianity on the soil of Obolo nation, call it Eastern, Northern, Southern or Western Obolo.
Today, Christianity is fast developing that there are several Christian denominations spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in Obolo as against the ancient era where only the African Mission that metamorphosed into the Anglican Communion; Methodist; Presbyterian and Catholics known as the Orthodox churches.
Aside from the fact that several denominations have emerged in Obolo nation, the Orthodox churches seems leading the way on the tenets and principles of worshiping God.
“God is a Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth”. The only known favourite “food” for God by those who knows and acknowledge Him is “Praise and Worship”, irrespective of the environment; little wonder almost every denomination that honours God do not keep aside Praises and Worship.
The “Anglican Communion” popularly known in Obolo as the “Mother Church, or Church ile” from its existence has been keen and orderly in her operations even during the period of Praise and Worship.
Indeed the Church has been quite apt in Praises before now, as an average elderly member literate or illiterate could be seen with his Hymnals of different languages especially in the Igbos-Abuoma and Ikpa Okwa-Obolo.
Obolo (Andoni) group of churches had never come last in any competition hosted or attended within and outside Obolo, not because they are the best singers but dedication, importance and respect as usually attached to that practice, as God’s best food propel such fit.
Eight years ago, the act of Praises to God took a higher dimension in the Obolo Churches, especially in the “Anglican Communion” where brethren gathered for not less than 3 days to sing Praises to God. What pleasant move.
In Obolo Churches of the Anglican Communion, it was initially coordinated as a competition between choirs of respective churches under the supervision and promotion of one Sir Benjamin Reginald Wilcox otherwise known as “Sir Benjamin Wilcox Music Foundation”.
While the event is an annual festival of Praise, prizes were given to winning choirs and participants of the competition.
However, due to complaint of cheat arising from favoritism by participating choirs against judges at such events, the annual event of Praise has been gloriously upgraded into an annual festival where participating choirs and churches converge at a designated Parish for the single purpose of praising God for a period of 3 day activity.
Significantly, the prize awarding event turned festival of Praises, where People of God converge to Praise God for the year, has greatly impacted positively on not only the churches but participants who draw closer to God especially through the music sector.
Like every other activity of man, the process of awarding prizes to supposed winners might be jeopardized or commercialize in the church, hence Issues Abattoir has congratulated the Sir Benjamin Wilcox Music Foundation for the timely conversion of that vision of Praise into an annual festival of Praise.
The Sir, Benjamin Wilcox Music Foundation had begun this event in the year 2008 in conjunction with the Diocese of Niger Delta, Anglican Communion with several choirs bagging its awards of participation and excellence.
Meanwhile, the 2015 edition of the festival as planned by the foundation in conjunction with the Andoni and Andoni South Archdeaconries holds at St. James’ Anglican Church, Ataba Kingdom from Friday 27th – Sunday 29th November, 2015 with the theme “2015 Obolo Praise”.
It would be recalled that the 2014 edition was held at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church Parish, Ajakajak town as St. Philip’s Anglican Church Parish hosted the 2013 edition.
Praises is synonymous with everything good, it moves God into doing the exceptional which is miracle to men.
In the context of this lofty Annual Programme it is observed that several millions of naira are been spent for the service of God; little wonder the founder of the foundation once said, that his position or desire for organizing the annual event does not imply his richness but it is an act of his service to God.
Furthermore, while Issues Abattoir recognizes the fact that millions of naira are been expended to organizing the festival, it is her suggestion that such faith based festival or programme be extended to choirs of other denominations so to be invited, since its significance is to usher in the glory of God in Obolo.
If this is done, it is obvious that brethren from other denominations would without mincing words share in the blessing/glory of God which in turn would speedily bring to the fore the expected development in Obolo.
In the present circumstance, all the traditional practices as observed by the fore fathers have through the continuous and conscious services to God ceased its effect on and as such Christianity is leading the way.
Issues Abattoir, while applauding the Sir Benjamin Music Foundation on his contributions for the growth of the Gospel in Obolo (Andoni), calls on the Christian family, particularly the Anglican Choristers to allow the festival serves the purpose for which it was meant rather than mere jamboree.
The time to Praise God is now!!!
With James Mgboineme
jamesthenewswriter@gmail.com.
