Anambra State witnessed an unprecedented fusion of worship, culture, and festivity over the weekend as Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo formally unveiled the state’s 2025 Ọnwa Dezemba celebrations, declaring that “the Anambra’s hour has come.”
The Christmas Carol and Praise Night, held at the newly remodelled Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, drew a massive crowd of Ndi Anambra from within and outside the state, signalling renewed confidence in security, social life, and the festive economy.
The event featured top gospel artistes including Gozie Okeke, Buchi, Sir Jude Nnam, and Ada Zion, whose ministrations transformed the venue into an atmosphere of intense worship and celebration.
Structured around traditional carol lessons and contemporary praise, the programme opened with prayers and scripture readings before transitioning into high-energy gospel performances, blending the sacred essence of Christmas with the celebratory spirit of Ọnwa Dezemba.
Addressing the crowd, Soludo described the night as the rebirth of Anambra’s festive identity.
“This is only the beginning. The Anambra’s hour has come, and Anambra is rising and rising in power,” he said.
He announced that Ọnwa Dezemba activities would run across the state until early January 2026, featuring cultural festivals, children’s events, and entertainment showcases.
The Governor also revealed that Flavour n’Abalịa’s much-anticipated homecoming concert would hold on December 30 at Solution Fun City, assuring residents that Anambra is safe for tourism and leisure.
Speaking separately, Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Hon. Don Onyenji, said the carol was a strategic statement to the world that Anambra is peaceful, culturally vibrant, and open for investment.
The night also featured a dramatic nativity re-enactment, complete with live animals and a symbolic presentation of the infant Jesus, drawing prolonged applause from the audience.
The event concluded with a benediction by Archbishop Alexander Ibezim, rounding off a night many described as historic.