Hall of Faith Chapel’s Caroling Service, held on December 11, was greatly enriched. In addition to its repertoire of carols, visitors and National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) staff, were also treated to an Awards Ceremony and a Guest Soloist.
“Our Choir,” allowed Monday Idebaneria Eromonsele, Hall of Faith Pastor, “is always the central attraction. But during the one hour, or so, that people spend here, on this day, we try to give them a well-rounded experience”.
That experience, included a Moderator, Afolabi Olubiyi, from Planning, Policy and Research, to kept things moving. After Eromosele’s “Welcome” remarks, Dr. Gbenga Oleoseni, Bursar, Institute for Space Science and Engineering (ISSE), came forth, to read from the Book of Mathew, (Chapter 1; Verse 18).
Following Oleoseni reading, Emmanuel Onwubuariri, Deputy Director of GeoApps Limited, and Dr. Festus Olatoyinbo, Provost, ISSE, each offered commentaries. So too, did Mrs. Mosunmola O. Sholiyi, Assistant Director (AD), Centre for Satellite Technology Development (CSTD).
But first, something Dr. Solomon Okpanachi, Chairman of the Coral Committee, might want to take note of is that Hall of Faith Chapel is a small building, with a low hanging ceiling. Given these intimate acoustics, the choir might consider lowering its volume, a bit—to enhance listening pleasure.
Even so, the audience found each rendition enjoyable. The songs were arranged, to punctuate various segments of the programme. The sequence opened, with “Mary Did You Know,” which played off the central theme of this year’s event: “It’s He Who Has The Son”.
As Guest Speaker, Pastor Immanuel Farouk, of Eden Life Bible Church, Abuja, picked up on this theme. “He who has the Son,” Farouk declared, “has life. That life is the power behind the blessing. That life is a light that shines in the darkness”.
The choir was under the direction of Mr. Simon Onogu, who was also featured as soloist, along with Mrs. Gloria Olatuyi. Backing up the Choir, was a small ensemble, consisting of keyboards (Mrs. Gift Abraham Ebri) drums (Noah Motio) and saxophonist (Uwana Joe King).
Renditions of classic carols, including “Joy To The World,” “Oh Holy Night” and “Good Christian Men, Rejoice” set the stage for the Guest Soloist, Mrs. Nissy Achem (wife of the National Coordinator, Hall of Faith Chapel).
Reveling in Mrs. Achem performance of “Hallelujah, Salvation and Glory”, was a phalanx of NASRDA executives.”
: Among them, Dr. Felix Ale (Director, Media and Corporate Communication); Dr. Olukunle Soyinka, Deputy Director (DD), Engineering and Space Systems (ESS); Dr. Alex Felix (DD, ESS).
Present, as well, was: Mr. Kanayo Chizea, Assistant Director (AD), Audit, Centre for Satellite Technology Development; Mr. Daniel Egure, AD Planning; Mrs. Ibitoye Bamishaye (AD, CSTD); and Pastor Architect Damien Ukase, Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Yakubu Aminu, DD Procurement (CSTD), Caleb Olubolade, Assistant Director, Planning, and Mr. Peter Gbeja, Managing Director, Milk and Honey Estate, were also in the audience.
Prior to serving food and drink, two awards capped the programme. The first, was a N100,000 grant—for primary school fees—to a child whose father passed in 2020, while the second was to Dr. Olufemi Agboola, Director of Engineering and Space Systems, for his financial support of the church.
Presenting the award to Dr. Festus Olatoyinbo, who accepted on behalf of the Director, Eromosele said Agboola—the underwriter—had given him carte blanche. “NASRDA’s Cooperative had about N1 million,” he said. “I could have taken all, if they had been willing to release it.”
