BY: News Peddlers
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| Christians in Badagry |
Christians in Badagry and other parts of the country concluded a series of activities commemorating the 180th anniversary of Christmas in the ancient town, On Wednesday.
The four-day event, which began on December 25, concluded on Wednesday with a live performance by various gospel singers from Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
Solomon Bonu, the organiser of the "Christmas in Badagry" event Christmas was first observed in Nigeria in Badagry in 1842, according to Wikipedia.
According to Mr Bonu, the immediate past Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, the programme was created to bring Christians from across the country together to commemorate 180 years of Christmas celebrations.
"Here in Badagry, we have a place called Agia Tree, that is where Christianity was first preached in Nigeria and celebration of Christmas followed.
"We just thought there was a need to gather people together to celebrate Christmas in Badagry with a lot of interesting events lined up for their enjoyment," says the organiser.
"We started the programme on Dec. 25 with a Christmas Parade by many people with Christmas clothes, singing and dancing to announce the beginning of the event.
"The second day was an Old School Night, where Christians dressed in old School attires and gathered at Atah junction at a popular roundabout in Badagry to enjoy themselves.
"On the third day, various Christian families gathered at Badagry Theatre to watch a movie about the coastal town of Badagry.
"Today, we have brought notable gospel singers both local and international for the enjoyment of Christmas.
"We have Deborah Osaba, Bisi Emmanuel, Saint Banky from Nigeria, and Johnny Sourou from the Republic of Benin, among others," he said.
Mr Bonu stated that they would continue the programme by tracing the origins of missionaries who came to preach Christianity in Nigeria in the United Kingdom.
"The event will be held again next year. We're going to the United Kingdom to find out where the missionaries who came to Badagry came from.
"We'll find their descendants and bring them to Badagry to celebrate Christmas with us," he said.
Mr. Bonu believes Badagry could be transformed into a religious tourism destination.
Bisi Onala, one of the event's coordinators, also spoke, stating that the event had been planned for a long time.
"Christmas was celebrated in Badagry 180 years ago, and we want the rest of the world to know that Christianity came to Nigeria through Badagry.
"Badagry represents unity, and we want to spread love throughout the world," she said.
One of the gospel singers, Gabriel Emmanuel, described the people of Badagry as lovely and lively.
Mr. Emmanuel expressed his joy at being a part of Badagry's 180th Christmas celebration.
Jonny Sourou, a gospel singer from the Republic of Benin, expressed his delight at taking part in the event and urged the organisers to keep it going in 2023.
Musician Debby Gandonu said it was a fantastic experience.
"Celebrating 180 years of Christmas here in Badagry is fantastic, and I had a great time."
She urged Christians to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, whose birth brought the world peace and salvation.
Cecilia Idowu, a Badagry resident, praised the organisers for putting on a wonderful Christmas celebration in the area.
(NAN)