Showers of Praise, As Redemption Gospel Band Holds 2021 Band Sunday

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

It was a glorious service of praise and worship, as members of the Redemption Gospel Band, Chapel of Redemption, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, held their 2021 Band Sunday amidst fanfare and funfair.

Held over the weekend, the Band Sunday, themed "Todah, Sacrifice of Praise" was heralded by a Praise Banquet which saw the adept Redemption Gospel Band members and other gifted youngsters from within and outside the state literally sing down anointing with praise and worship, on Saturday evening.

In his Sunday homily on the theme of the event, Rev. Chukwukadibia Obi, who is also a Pioneer President of the Redemption Band, explained that 'Todah', which is a Hebrew noun that connotes 'Thanksgiving' is derived from a Hebrew verb, 'Yada', which means 'To thank' or 'To praise'; just as he urged Christians to always thank and sing praises to God, even in challenging times and when situations seem not favourable.

Citing Psalm 50:14, 23, Rev. Obi (popularly known as Ocean) acronymized the word 'PRAISE' as a way of telling God that He is Powerful, Righteous, Able, Infinite Strong and  Eternal, even as he highlighted the numerous benefits of priase, and opined that God created human beings for a purpose of praising Him, as He cannot give praise to Himself.

In a remark, the Chaplain, Chapel of Redemption, UNIZIK Temp. Site, Awka, Ven. Dr. Obiorah Alokwu who hailed the choice of the theme, described the event as glorious indeed; appreciated the artistes and music ministers for their commitment and for using their talents to serve God, even as he harped on the need to encourage and support the music ministry, as God Himself delights in good music.

While proposing that the Band Sunday henceforth be held quarterly or periodically, rather than annually as usual; Ven. Alokwu who has always described music as the food of the soul and a therapy to the troubled mind, further noted that the importance of good musical instruments and regular praises and worship to God can never be overemphasized.

On her own part, the President of the Redemption Gospel Band, Architect Chibuzor Uchendu, who is also the first female president of the Band, appreciated the members for their dedication, and hailed everyone who contributed in one way or the other to the success of the event; expressing optimism that next edition of the event will be much greater and glorious.

Earlier speaking on the first day of the event, a historian and public affairs analyst, Mr. John Ifejika went memory lane to narrate the history of gospel music, and explained that gospel music has actually be an instrument of soul winning for Christ from time immemorial till date, hence the names 'gospel music' and 'gospel band'.

He also urged the young music ministers to continue spreading the gospel, winning souls for Christ and expanding the kingdom of God through their music and musical ministrations.

Aside the series of special and glorious renditions, which cut across praises and worship, the Sunday event also featured recognitions and award presentation to the patrons of the Redemption Gospel Band, including Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Uzoma Ezebialu, ACC Okeke Ejikeme Okechukwu; as well as some deserving individuals, including Mr. Chuka Awunor and Mr. Celestine Nwanegbo, who are both erstwhile presidents of the Band. 

The awardees, who each appreciated the recognition, described it as an encouragement and a call to do more.

Together with the musical and spiritual refreshments, the physical nourishment and awesome comestibles all made the event a memorable one indeed.