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The Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, Ukana, Essien Udim LGA of Akwa Ibom State, Christmas Carols/Service of Nine Lessons, popularly called “Ukana Concert”, has won the prestigious “Most Consistent Christian Event” in Nigeria at the 2016 edition of Christian Legendary and Impact Makers Awards (CLIMA) ceremony which held at the Christian Ecumenical Center, Central Business District, Abuja recently.
According to the organizers of the epochal event, apart from criteria used for nomination which included experience, global outreach, impactful vision, carriage and interpretation; rare accomplishments as men and women of God and organizations, as well as consistency in the service of God and humanity, electronic voting was also used in addition to select winners across the country, so as to ensure that deserving ambassadors of Christ that have distinguished themselves through tireless and consistent propagation of the gospel are recognized and honoured for their achievements. It is pertinent to state that the Akwa Ibom State Christmas Carol – an annual event organized by the State government was also nominated in this category.
Initiator of the Ukana Concert, Sir Emem Akpabio, who doubles as the Archdiocesan Lay President of Methodist Church Nigeria, said the award is a clear manifestation of dedication, commitment and consistency in ensuring that regardless of the general end-times apathy towards the service of God, a veritable platform is created for the persuasive propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Hence, he gave thanks to God for His grace in sustaining the Concert for the past 13 years and dedicated the award to Him. He used the opportunity to also thank his wife and children, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and wife, the Senate Minority Leader, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio and wife, the Methodist Church Nigeria and the Planning Committee of the yearly event for their support and encouragement throughout the years.
The Christian Legendary and Impact Makers Awards (acronym – CLIMA) is aimed at promoting vision carriers, executors and great achievers who have devoted their God-given vision to bequeath to their generation evergreen legacy through the instrumentality of God’s words and services.
It also seeks to unite the body of Christ through the annual awards platform, as well as recognize and appreciate such contributions so as to further ginger beneficiaries to cover more mileages in the service of God.
The year 2016 edition of the annual CLIMA Awards was attended by the who-is-who in the Nigerian Christian Community in packed-fill hall at the Ecumenical Center. Among heavy weights in the body of Christ in Nigeria who received awards in different categories include but not limited to Papa Ayo Orisejafor (President of Christian Association of Nigeria), Dr. Sunday Koffi Mbang CON (Prelate emeritus) and Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye (General Overseer, The Redeemed Christian Church of Nigeria), who were invested with “Living Legend” Award. For Dr. Mbang (a firebrand preacher) who will be celebrating his 80th birthday on 10th September 2016, he fills fulfilled to have won the award, as it has been a peaceful and worthy walk with the Lord through the years. Others are, Cardinal John Onaiyekan (Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, who backed the “Christian Hero” award, Dr. Paul Enenche, “Outstanding Pastor”, Bishop David Oyedepo, “Global Impact Maker”, among others.
In the same vein, a good number of consummate gospel artistes also won in varying categories, namely: Sandra Nwugo, aka, Jesus’ Baby (the Philanthropist award). Sammie Okposo coasted home the “Global Music Icon” award, while Nathaniel Beredugo – Praise machine was invested with “Music Legend” award. Others are: Samsong, Nathaniel Bassey (Best Music Albums), Freke Umoh, Frank Edwards and Chioma Jesus, respectively, bagged “Music Minister of the Year” award.
Media Unit, Ukana Concert
