IBD Foundation Hosts 2nd Edition of Christian Thanksgiving Concert
The IBD Foundation hosted its annual sophomore edition of the Christian Thanksgiving Concert, a vibrant and heartwarming celebration of gratitude, praise, and worship, meticulously designed to culminate the year’s journey in a magnificent and uplifting manner. This cherished event has quickly become a highlight in the community’s calendar, fostering a deep sense of unity and spiritual reflection among attendees.
The 2024 edition of the IBD Foundation Christian Thanksgiving Concert, aptly themed “United in Thanksgiving,” took place on the 12th of December at the historic All Saints Anglican Church in Ilaro, Ogun State. This year’s concert attracted a diverse array of Christians from various denominations and communities throughout the state, uniting them in a powerful shared expression of gratitude for God’s countless blessings and mercies received over the past year. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation, as families, friends, and church groups gathered in joyous expectation.
Attendees were treated to an impressive and carefully curated lineup of talented gospel artists, choirs, and musicians, each taking the stage to uplift spirits through soul-stirring songs, animated dance, and instrumental worship. The concert featured notable names from the Nigerian gospel music scene that attendees eagerly anticipated. Among them were the inspiring Apostle Debo Ojubuyi, known for his powerful messages through music; the soulful and captivating Oluwatoyin Ojagbemi; the dynamic Elijah Daniel, whose energy resonated with the crowd; the impactful Bois Olorun; the electrifying Vickeyz; and the anointed Amos Adeboye, each bringing their unique flair to the event. The Event was hosted by Adeyemo Enoch Adejare known as Baba Alariya and Anna Olorunfemi. Their powerful performances created an atmosphere filled with joy and reverence and left the audience deeply moved, prompting spontaneous moments of praise and worship.
In addition to the musical festivities, the IBD Foundation took the opportunity to bless the community in noteworthy ways. They provided nourishment and distributed essential food items to attendees, fostering a spirit of generosity and care within the congregation. This gesture of kindness included staple provisions such as rice, beans, garri, semovita, and sealed ground pepper, all aimed at supporting those in need within the community. The sight of families leaving with food packages added a layer of fulfillment to the event, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to philanthropy alongside spiritual upliftment.
During the well-attended event, Mrs. Omolara Judith Egungbohun, the visionary founder of the IBD Foundation and devoted wife of Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, conveyed the heartfelt mission behind this year’s Christian Thanksgiving Concert. She articulated the profound importance of promoting unity among believers, expressing gratitude for the year’s experiences, and igniting a spirit of renewal within the Christian community. “We started the year in good health, faith, and hope, so giving gratitude is a must to our creator. This is why we initiated the end-of-year Thanksgiving — to show gratitude and also to reach out to the less privileged within our host community. It’s an infusion of music, dance, comedy, and worship. We invite all church denominations because we all serve one God, seeking to foster a united religious body devoid of competition.”
In a stirring call to action, Mrs. Egungbohun urged the Christian community to cultivate a spirit of oneness, emphasizing the need to support one another and collaborate in spreading God’s love and compassion both locally and globally. She graciously honored spiritual leaders, pastors, ministers, dedicated men and women of faith, as well as the esteemed royal fathers and special guests present at the event, recognizing the invaluable contributions made by each in nurturing the community’s faith.
Reflecting on the gathering’s essence, she remarked, “Today, we come together as one body in Christ, unified in faith and purpose. As outlined in Ephesians 4:3, we are reminded to ‘make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.'” This reflection found resonance among attendees, prompting collective moments of meditation and prayer.
As the crowd took a moment to reflect on the challenges and blessings of the past year, Mrs. Egungbohun poignantly noted, “Despite the trials we have faced, we recognize that God’s faithfulness has been our steadfast anchor. This event serves as a precious occasion to celebrate our blessings, articulate our gratitude, and renew our commitment to live as radiant examples of Christ’s love.”
In her closing remarks, she expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone who played a pivotal role in making the event a success. “To my wonderful team, your dedication, prayers, and hard work have been truly invaluable and deeply appreciated.” The warmth in her voice resonated with the audience, reinforcing a sense of belonging and community spirit.
Mrs. Egungbohun also took a moment to acknowledge her husband, Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, for his unwavering support throughout the planning and execution of the concert. Highlighting a significant yet often overlooked aspect, she noted that despite his Muslim faith, he made substantial contributions to the success of the Christian Thanksgiving Concert 2024. This act exemplified his commitment to fostering unity and love across spiritual boundaries. “My husband made this happen. He is a man who does not discriminate against any religion. Although he is a devoted Muslim, he has supported the work of Christ using his resources. If not for his immense support, the Thanksgiving concert would not have been as resounding a success.”
Through this event, the IBD Foundation not only celebrated the spirit of Thanksgiving but also reinforced the vital message that unity and love amongst different faiths can pave the way for a more compassionate and harmonious community.
