By The Rev’d Uruakpa Onyemaechi Charles |  CCN News Correspondent, Abuja 

ABUJA, Nigeria | August 31, 2026 — The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and the Festival of 12 Hymns Network have explored areas of stronger collaboration ahead of the 3rd Edition of the Festival of 12 Hymns Concert, scheduled for 2027.

The partnership was discussed during an interactive meeting held on Monday, August 31, at the CCN National Headquarters, Abuja.

The meeting, which began with an opening prayer led by the CCN General Secretary, Rt. Rev. Evans Onyemara, Ph.D., brought together members of the Festival of 12 Hymns Network Board of Trustees and stakeholders, alongside members of the CCN management.

CCN Welcomes Festival of 12 Hymns Network

Welcoming the delegation, Rt. Rev. Onyemara expressed his pleasure at being associated with the Festival and reaffirmed the Council’s willingness to support initiatives that promote Christian unity, worship and national development.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Festival of 12 Hymns Network, Arc. Ubokutom Nyah, described the Festival as a spiritual and cultural “call” aimed at preserving the rich heritage of Christian hymnody.

He noted that hymns represent more than music, stressing their role in preserving Christian faith, doctrine, history and values while connecting generations and transcending denominational and cultural boundaries.

Arc. Nyah also acknowledged the strategic role of CCN in advancing the Festival and called for closer collaboration through joint programmes, mobilisation and other areas of mutual interest.

Festival Targets 2027 Elections Season

According to the Network, the 3rd Edition of the Festival of 12 Hymns Concert will be held under the theme “The Legacy of Hymnody.”

The event is being conceived as a National Solemn Assembly of Praise, Worship, Reflection and Prayer, bringing together Christian leaders, political and government leaders, traditional rulers, youths, women, diplomats, development partners, civil society organisations and other citizens.

The Network said the initiative is particularly significant as Nigeria approaches the 2027 General Elections, with the Festival expected to provide a platform for prayer for peace, unity and the wellbeing of the nation.

CCN Assures Network of Support

Speaking on behalf of the Festival, Sir Uwem J. Useh, Ph.D., Executive Director and BOT Secretary, emphasised the importance of broad-based mobilisation, urging CCN to reach out to churches within its network.

Responding, Rt. Rev. Onyemara accepted the responsibility and assured the delegation of CCN’s strong institutional support and patronage for the success of the Festival.

“My doors are open to you,” the General Secretary told the delegation, reaffirming the Council’s willingness to work with the Network.

He also offered to facilitate an engagement between members of the Festival’s Board of Trustees and stakeholders and the President of the Christian Council of Nigeria in the coming days.

Beyond the 2027 Concert

The meeting also identified opportunities for sustained collaboration beyond the 2027 Festival.

These include Christian hymnody and music ministry, youth engagement, peacebuilding, interdenominational fellowship, Christian heritage preservation, leadership development, national prayer initiatives and advocacy for peaceful democratic processes.

The Festival of 12 Hymns Network said it was particularly interested in initiatives capable of reconnecting younger generations with the spiritual and cultural heritage embedded in Christian hymns.

The Network also expressed appreciation to CCN for accepting it as an Associate of the Christian Council of Nigeria, describing the recognition as both an honour and a responsibility to contribute more meaningfully to the Church and the nation.

Participants

The Festival of 12 Hymns Network delegation included Arc. Ubokutom Nyah, Chairman, Board of Trustees; Sir Kayode Opoosun, Grand Patron; Sir Dr. Charles Akpabio, BOT Member; Lady Mercy Uwem Useh, Ph.D., BOT Member/Secretary, Executive Committee; Sir Uwem J. Useh, Ph.D., Executive Director/BOT Secretary; and Engr. Daniel Dako, Assistant Director of Music.

Representing CCN were Rt. Rev. Evans Onyemara, Ph.D., General Secretary; Mary Ekpe, Head of Finance and Operations; Mr. Nzube Nlewedim, Personal Assistant on Administration; and The Rev’d Onyemaechi Charles Uruakpa, Media/ICT and Communication.

The meeting ended with expressions of gratitude and a shared commitment to developing a practical framework for collaboration that can strengthen Christian unity, spiritual renewal, responsible citizenship, peace and national transformation.