CCN, Festival of 12 Hymns Network Forge Strategic Partnership Ahead of 2027 National Hymns Festival

By Uruakpa Onyemaechi Charles

Abuja, Nigeria | Friday, 3 July 2026

The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and the Festival of 12 Hymns Network have commenced discussions on a strategic partnership aimed at promoting Christian unity, national peace, ethical leadership, and credible elections through sacred music, worship, and advocacy.

The partnership proposal emerged during a courtesy visit by members of the Executive Committee of the Festival of 12 Hymns Network, led by Sir Uwem J. Useh, Ph.D., KCW, DCF, Executive Director/Convener, to the General Secretary of the Christian Council of Nigeria, His Lordship, Rt. Revd. Evans Onyemara, Ph.D., at the CCN National Secretariat in Abuja on Friday.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both organisations to explore areas of collaboration ahead of the Network’s planned Peace and Unity Carol Concert scheduled for 5 December 2026 and the Third Edition of the Festival of 12 Hymns Concert slated for 30 January 2027.

Festival of 12 Hymns Network Presents Vision

Presenting the Network’s address, Sir Uwem J. Useh expressed appreciation to the Christian Council of Nigeria for granting the delegation audience and described the Council as one of Nigeria’s foremost ecumenical institutions, renowned for promoting Christian unity, justice, peace, and national development.

He explained that the visit was more than ceremonial, describing it as a meeting of shared vision and collective responsibility.

According to him, the Festival of 12 Hymns was conceived to preserve Nigeria’s rich heritage of Christian hymnody while deploying hymns as instruments for spiritual renewal, moral reawakening, peacebuilding, and national transformation.

He noted that after the successful first and second editions of the Festival, the Network had resolved to expand the initiative into a national platform that would unite Christians in worship, prayer, reflection, and advocacy ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Sir Uwem highlighted the major activities lined up, including the Peace and Unity Carol Concert, the adoption of the proposed Abuja Declaration for Peaceful and Credible Elections 2027, and the institution of the Festival of 12 Hymns Peace and Leadership Awards to honour distinguished Nigerians whose lives exemplify integrity, peacebuilding, humanitarian service, Christian witness, and exemplary leadership.

The delegation requested the support of the Christian Council of Nigeria in six major areas, including partnership in planning the events, mobilisation of member churches, nomination of award recipients, introduction to strategic Christian and development partners, institutional participation, and endorsement of the Abuja Declaration.

CCN Assures Full Collaboration

Responding, the General Secretary of the Christian Council of Nigeria, Rt. Revd. Evans Onyemara, Ph.D., welcomed the initiative and assured the delegation of the Council’s readiness to collaborate for its success.

He said the Christian Council of Nigeria would spare no effort in mobilising its member churches, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory, to actively participate through prayer, choir mobilisation, attendance, publicity, and spiritual support.

The General Secretary disclosed that the Council would formally communicate with member churches through the Chairman of the CCN FCT Chapter to encourage participation and would also facilitate wider publicity, including the production of promotional banners across churches.

On the proposed Peace and Leadership Awards, Bishop Onyemara assured the delegation that CCN would collaborate in identifying eminent Christian leaders and distinguished Nigerians deserving of recognition, noting that the Council’s nationwide network would be deployed to ensure credibility, fairness, and broad acceptance.

He further advised the Network to consider applying for Associate Membership of the Christian Council of Nigeria, explaining that such a relationship would strengthen institutional cooperation through co-branding and enhance the Network’s visibility and credibility among churches and development partners.

Drawing from the experience of international faith-based organisations, Bishop Onyemara noted that institutional partnerships and co-branding often enhance collaboration, public confidence, and access to wider support.

Commending the organisers for commencing preparations early, he assured them that the proposed activities had already attracted the Council’s attention and would receive institutional backing.

“This initiative deserves our full support. Great visions often begin modestly, but through perseverance, consistency and God’s grace they grow into enduring institutions that bless generations,” he said.

The General Secretary also pledged to brief the Heads of Churches under the Christian Council of Nigeria on the outcome of the meeting to facilitate broader participation.

Call for Community-Based Outreach

In his intervention, Very Rev. Kolade Fadahunsi, Director of the CCN Institute of Church and Society, Ibadan, commended the vision behind the Festival and encouraged the organisers to deliberately expand its outreach to communities affected by insecurity, violence, displacement, and trauma.

He observed that sacred music possesses enormous healing potential and could help restore hope, strengthen faith, and promote reconciliation in troubled communities.

According to him, the initiative should evolve beyond concerts into a nationwide movement that advances Christian values, peacebuilding, moral renewal, and community transformation.

Festival Network Appreciates CCN Support

Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the Festival of 12 Hymns Network, the Director of Music, Mr. Ibor Abam, expressed profound appreciation to the General Secretary for warmly receiving the delegation.

He likened the reception to that of a father embracing his children, noting that the encouragement received had strengthened the Network’s confidence and renewed its commitment to the vision.

Mr. Abam stated that with the fatherly support of the Christian Council of Nigeria, the burden of advancing the initiative had become lighter, expressing optimism that future editions of the Festival would achieve even greater success.

Also speaking, the Executive Director and Convener, Sir Uwem J. Useh, thanked Bishop Onyemara for his fatherly counsel and practical recommendations.

He assured the General Secretary that the Network would immediately begin implementing the observations made during the meeting while keeping the Christian Council of Nigeria regularly informed as preparations progress.

Closing Prayer and Benediction

The meeting concluded with a closing prayer, Episcopal blessing, and benediction offered by Rt. Revd. Evans Onyemara, Ph.D., who prayed for God’s guidance, protection, wisdom, and success over the vision and all those involved in advancing it.

Members of the Festival of 12 Hymns Network Delegation

• Sir Uwem J. Useh, Ph.D., KCW, DCF – Executive Director/Convener
• Lady Mercy Uwem – Executive Secretary
• Mr. Ibor Abam – Director of Music
• Sir Kufre Nkanta – Member
• Dako Daniel E. – Assistant Music Director
• Sir Roberts Olugbenga – Member

Christian Council of Nigeria Officials Present

• Rt. Revd. Evans Onyemara, Ph.D. – General Secretary
• Very Rev. Kolade Fadahunsi – Director, CCN Institute of Church and Society, Ibadan
• Very Rev. Joshua Okpara
• The Rev’d Nwamba Victor – Programme Officer/Personal Assistant to the General Secretary
• Mary Amogo – Accountant
• The Rev’d Uruakpa Onyemaechi Charles

See pictorials.