UNUSUAL PRAISE ONITSHA 2024 MARKS ANOTHER MILESTONE AS AFRICA’S LARGEST CATHOLIC CONCERT
Onitsha, Anambra State—The Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity in Onitsha was alive with divine celebration as it hosted the 2024 edition of Unusual Praise, widely recognized as the largest annual Catholic concert in Africa. The Onitsha edition, the fourth in the series, brought together thousands of faithful for a night of exceptional gospel music and spiritual renewal.
His Grace, Most Reverend Dr. Valerian Okeke, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, led a distinguished assembly of clergy members, including reverend priests, reverend sisters, and pastoral representatives from various Christian denominations.
The evening commenced with a captivating performance by young kids from the Archbishop Valerian Okeke Music Academy (AVOMA), setting the tone for an extraordinary night of worship. The event featured an impressive lineup of gospel Ministers, including:
- Christine N
- Queen Edegwa
- Nkiru Emmanuel
- Kenz Music
- Nkwa Group
- Fabian Nwafor
- James Arum
- Sir Jude Nnam
- Ada Jesus
- Blessed Modesta
- Prince Gozie Okeke
- Chinyere Udoma
- Bee Jay Sax
- Mr M and the Revelation
A highlight of the evening was the Unusual Entrepreneur Grant ceremony, where over 5 million naira was awarded to promising entrepreneurs. Notable recipients included Edeh Chibuike Valentine, Nwokeji Zita Ndidioma, Ohakwe Uchechi Cynthia, and Nwali Chinonso Kelvin, among others, recognizing their innovative business proposals and entrepreneurial spirit.
The success of Unusual Praise 2024 was made possible through the generous support of several corporate sponsors, including:
- Valentine Chineto Ozigbo Foundation (a consistent sponsor since 2018)
- Fidelity Bank
- Access Bank
- GUO Transport
- Globus Bank
- Providus Bank
Valentine Ozigbo, who attended with his wife and many of his family and friends from different parts of Anambra and Nigeria, including elected and former House members, was very thankful to God and to the organizers for a job well done. “I thank God for what an amazing success this year’s event was. We witnessed undiluted praise and worship, and the preaching by Rev Fr Alex Ebuka presented a real conversion moment, and the celebration of Holy Mass crowned it all. I must appreciate Monsignor Paschal Nwaezeapu, Mrs Theresa Onwuka, Mrs. Tina Igbokwe, Mr. Chike Nwaiwu and all the amazing team that put this together this year. If Onitsha edition is like this, one can only imagine what the Lagos edition holding on Dec 13 2024 would be like” Mr Ozigbo remarked.
This year’s Unusual Praise has once again demonstrated its significance as both a spiritual gathering and a catalyst for positive social impact in the region. It combines worship with practical support for emerging entrepreneurs.
