– Samuel Olamide Osifuye
The CAC Oke-Ibukun Choir marked its 84th anniversary with an exhilarating musical concert on the evening of Sunday, October 13, 2024, at the Yaba DCC Headquarters. Themed “New Glory,” the event attracted a full house of church members, dignitaries, and music lovers, showcasing the choir’s commitment to spiritual excellence and musical artistry while reaffirming its connection with the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM).
The evening began with a captivating mini concert featuring a semi-choir that performed David Archuleta’s uplifting song, “Glorious,” followed by a heartfelt duet of “S’alabo Mi” by Bidemi Oyesanya, setting an inspiring tone for the program.
The main concert featured a series of powerful performances by the choir, including “Nye Chukwu Ekele,” the traditional “Chant of Psalm 8” by Henry Lawes in B-flat, and “Righteousness Exalts a Nation” by Seun Owoaje. Other highlights included “Adom Noa” by James Varick Armaah and “Omi Iye,” with lyrics and music composed by Professor D.K. Olukoya, the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry, and skillfully arranged by Dr. Ayo Oluranti.
A memorable moment of the evening was the ceremonial passing of the baton from the outgoing choirmaster, Elder S.K.O. Annan, to the incoming choirmaster, Elder Sesan Taiwo. This was conducted by the Superintendent, Yaba DCC, Pastor S.E.A. Oludare.
Elder Annan has devoted an impressive 45 years to leading the choir, during which he has achieved numerous milestones. The Director of Administration for CAC Nigeria & Overseas presented a citation honoring Elder Annan’s contributions, which was given to the new choirmaster by Elder Bidemi Oyesanya, the Director of Music.
Pastor Abraham Ekebafe delivered a sermon based on Exodus 40:16-35, focusing on the theme ‘A New Glory.’ He highlighted that God is not only glorious but is also the Father of Glory, referencing Ephesians 1:17. He emphasized that to experience God’s glory, one must follow the example set by Jesus Christ, paralleling Moses’s obedience to God’s instructions in constructing the tabernacle.
In his thanksgiving address, new choirmaster Elder Sesan Taiwo expressed heartfelt gratitude to all guests, family, and friends, with special thanks to Prof. D.K. Olukoya for his steadfast support and for providing some musical instruments for the concert.
The concert was graced by prominent figures, including the Director of Administration, CAC Nigeria & Overseas, Pastor Tope Dada; Director of Music, CAC Nigeria & Overseas, Elder Bidemi Oyesanya; Superintendent, CAC Yaba DCC, Pastor S.E.A. Oludare; Superintendent, CAC Itire DCC, Pastor Gideon Oladokun; Superintendent, CAC Ikeja zone, Pastor Emmanuel Adetula; Prof. D.K. Olukoya, represented by a Senior Regional Overseer of Music of MFM, Pastor Samuel Oloyede; Curate, CAC Yaba, Pastor Emmanuel Oluokun; Minister-in-charge, CAC Yaba English Assembly, Pastor Abraham Akinsokeji; and many others
The New Choirmaster of CAC Yaba, Elder Sesan Taiwo Conducting at the 84th Choir Festival
