Former Ogun State Governor and the Asiwaju of Remo Christians, Senator Gbenga Daniel, has described the Asiwaju of Remo Choir Festival as more than a musical contest, saying that it is a platform for societal healing, for young people increasingly lured by the get-rich-quick syndrome.

Speaking in Lagos ahead of the festival, Senator Daniel disclosed that his mission is supporting the younger generation through mentorship and creating an enabling environment for young and talented choirs to make their mark.

“When we were young, our parents wanted us to study engineering, medicine, and law. But today, footballers and musicians are the real economic players. Many stars we celebrate today started from the choir. We want to help young people do things the right way and still succeed,” he said.

“During COVID, some of my hotel staff didn’t want to return to work,” he revealed. “They were chasing Yahoo. One parent even called me to help teach her son how to use a laptop, just to join Yahoo. That’s how bad it has become. But with music like this, we can redirect our youths and calm the environment.”

The Asiwaju of Remo Christians warned that the country’s insecurity challenges could not be solved by the government alone, urging Nigerians to return to the communal vigilance and values of old.

He added, “Growing up, everyone knew everyone. If someone suddenly became rich, people asked questions. That sense of accountability has vanished. We must be our brother’s keeper again. Security is everyone’s responsibility.”

The epoch event will host over 50 choristers for the yearly ‘Asiwaju of Remo Christian Choir Festival’ in Sagamu, headquarters of Remo, on July 6. Nine choir groups from Lagos, Onitsha, Akure, and Ile-Ife will storm the Abraham Daniel Tabernacle on Oba Erindale Road in the ancient town from 11 a.m. for the programme.

The musical fiesta, tagged “With the Voice of Singing,” will hold on Sunday, July 6, at the Abraham Tabernacle Church, a worship centre built by the former governor in honour of his father, the late Rev. Abraham Daniel. The event, now a national fixture, aims to promote spiritual and moral growth through gospel music.

The curator, Dr. Opeyemi Ashaolu, explained that the former governor built the tabernacle to thank God and immortalise his illustrious cleric-father, who raised him in the tradition of proper values.

Ashaolu, who said the motto of the programme is “Improving the craft of singing in our churches,” added that the chants of Kayode Ojo, who was Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s organist, would be re-echoed at the festival.

He said in deciding the winners, the panel of judges would assess the intonation balance, diction, pronunciation, interpretation, expression, and audience appreciation.

Ashaolu further said that Daniel is raising a new generation of Christian choristers. He disclosed that other participating groups will go home with N500,000 each and other gifts, noting N30 million is up for grabs at the competition, with the winner going home with N5 million, first runners-up getting N3.5 million, and second runners-up receiving N2.5 million.

Expected judges at the event are Prof. Kayode Oyesiku, Elder Bidemi Oyesanya (SAN) of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Prof. Adejimo, Dr. Omolara Loko, Lanre Delana, and Dupe Ige Kachi.