Tope Alabi, Other Celebrities Storm Ibadan As Christians, Muslims ThrongOut At SplashFm/LageluFM Annual Christmas Carol Night

By editor On Dec 10, 2021

By Henry Odeh

As part of activities to mark end of the year 2021 in thanksgiving, West Midlands Communication, the operator of a foremost and first privately owned radio station in Oyo state, Splash FM and first indigenous radio station, Lagelu FM yesterday hosted Oyo residents to a night of fun, fanfare, and glamour at the Mauve 21 event Centre, Ibadan as sensational gospel musical artiste, Tope Alabi and other musical acts thrilled audience to ecstasy.

The event which according to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of West Midlands Communication and wife of the founding Chairman, Mrs Atinuke Adetunji and Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande, in their separate remarks at the 4th edition of Splash FM, Lagelu FM Night of Carol was to seize the opportunity to relax and dance in an atmosphere of fanfare and thanksgiving to God for the year ending.

They charged Nigerians to remain steadfast and have faith in God regardless of what life may bring their ways noting that Christmas is always a season of love and giving as well as caring for one another in whatever form which may further bring hope to the hopeless.

The General Manager Operations of both Splash FM and Lagelu FM radio stations, Mr Tunde Olawuwo,while speaking with journalists said the anxiety and uncertainty occasioned by the novel COVID-19 pandemic has created a lot of disruption in global events including domestic activities which according to him compelled the media company to halt last year (2020) edition of the annual Christmas Carol.

He added that the entire management and staffs of Splash FM and Lagelu FM have every reason to rejoice and celebrate because no Staff member was affected by the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic which has continued to claim more lives with its continued global spread.

“There’s no gainsaying that Covid-19 has brought a lot of anxiety and sadness but in our own little way of giving back to the society that supports us all year round, we have decided to in our usual way out together this event where people from all walks of life regardless of their religion, tribe or race can come together in an atmosphere of fanfare and thanksgiving to God.

“Basically, the message we have brought to the people is a message of hope. Last year we couldn’t hold this event, it was not possible for us to come together this way because of the lockdown occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic.

“So, despite the effect of covid-19 on our daily lives, we have come with a message of hope that together, we shall surmount this challenge. It is important for us to appreciate God for making us see the end of another year in the face of a dreaded pandemic that has continued to claim lives, so we than God everything and wish the people of Oyo state happy and prosperous new year ahead.” Olawuwo said.

As expected lessons drawn from the scriptures were read in both English and Yoruba languages as well as Pidgin English (Nigerian local English version) by popular programme host and news presenters from both SplashFm and LageluFm to the delight of audience.

Earlier in their various exhortations, Arch Bishop of Catholic arch diocese Ibadan, Gabriel Abegunrin duly represented, Pastor Joshua Akinola, Revd Canon Yemi Alade, Pastor Fidelis Bamikale, Prophet Odekunle Ephaphra, Prophet Joseph Adeoye amongst others drawing lesson from the scriptures stressed on the significance of the season and unanimously exhorted Nigerians to anchor their faith more on God particularly with prevailing challenges while imbibing an attitude of gratitude always for the gift of life

In special renditions of various carol hymns, the Celestial church of Christ, Christ Apostolic church, thrilled the audience with spiritual rhapsody while Big Bolaji amongst others ignited the atmosphere in a medley of praise

Highlight of the event was occasioned by electrifying musical performance in ministration by popular and sensational Nigerian gospel artiste and evangelist, Tope Alabi who sent the audience into wild celebration.

The Bashorun of Ibadan, High Chief Kola Daisi, Chief KO Latunji, representatives from the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) in honour of the founding chairman, Chief Bayo Akande the Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland amongst other notable Nigerians and people of goodwill graced the event.