All is set for the 2014 edition of the annual Akwa Ibom State Government Carol Night, slated to hold on Saturday, December 20, at the new Ibom International Stadium in Uyo.

In a release, announcing the programme elements of the 2014 edition of the event, the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Aniekan Umanah emphasised that “the 9,999 Carol Night, apart from been a record-breaking gathering of Carol Singers, has become a major source of spiritual tourism that attracts pilgrims from around the world.” The event, according to him, “gives the Christian community and general public a compelling need to be in the city of Uyo to celebrate Christmas and honour the birth of Jesus Christ.”

He explained that the event, which is the creation of the Akpabio administration, and coordinated by the Akwa Ibom State Directorate of Protocols, was inspired by the Governor’s desire to gather people from every Church organization, hamlet and village from across the State to share in the joy of Christmas by singing praises to the Almighty God.

According to him, since its inception in 2008, “the Akwa Ibom State Christmas Carol Night has enjoyed the benevolence, involvement, support and passion of Governor Akpabio, and has also served as avenue for the promotion of spiritual growth, peaceful co-existence among ethnic, religious and cultural groups in the State, in an evening of praise, worship, love and unity”.

Mr. Umanah added that apart from boosting the tourism potentials of Akwa Ibom, the Carol Night, which has maintained its unique theme and tradition, has evolved with new ideas and concepts on yearly basis. The tourism potential of the carol, he noted “has been enhanced by a rapidly growing international reputation and acceptance of the State.”

With a blend of unique vocal and digital rendition of medley and lyrics as well as a repertoire of colorful visual decoration, dance, costumes and lighting, the Commissioner said “the ambience in and around the event venue often engender bliss and spiritual awakening.”

A unique feature added to this year’s 9,999 Carol Night, according to Mr. Umanah, is “special performance by Quartets from each of the choirs from different countries who have performed at each of the six previous editions of the Carol Night.” The quartets, he said, “will come from the Soweto Spiritual Singers of South Africa; the Chorale Devine de Merveilles from the Republic of Congo; the National Choir of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis; the Winneba International Youth Choir from Ghana and the Abuja Metropolitan Music Society (AMEMUSO). Equally expected to perform at the event are, the Voices of Jamaica Choir and the Harmonious Chorale from Ghana.

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A deeply religious but very corrupt leaders deceiving gullible Christians who jump up when they hear the word 'god'. Politicians have their own god they talk about every time! They will all attend the Carol and still plan how to rig the elections.

Unaccounted State Money are used to fund this show yet gullible Christians will troop en masse to watch participate.

Shame!

It is the greatest irony of our age that Nigeria with arguably the highest number of churches that can be seen in a single nation, is without doubt the most corrupt place on earth, with citizens displaying a level of hypocrisy that will shock even the devil!

Most church leaders , masqurading as "God's generals" but in reality little more than fraudulent businessmen, claim pious behaviour that is just a front to scam the gullible.