CCN Backs Festival of 12 Hymns to Drive Peace Campaign Ahead of 2027 Polls By Raymond Enoch
In a move that could strengthen the Church’s voice on national unity and peaceful elections, the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) has thrown its weight behind the Festival of 12 Hymns Network, setting the stage for a strategic partnership that will use sacred music, worship and advocacy to promote peace, ethical leadership and credible elections ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general polls.
The commitment emerged on Friday during a high-level meeting between the leadership of the Christian Council of Nigeria and the Executive Committee of the Festival of 12 Hymns Network at the Council’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
Far beyond a routine courtesy visit, the engagement signalled the beginning of what both organisations described as a long-term collaboration aimed at mobilising Christians across denominational lines around the values of peace, justice, national cohesion and moral renewal.
Leading the Festival delegation, Executive Director and Convener, Sir Uwem J. Useh, said the Network was expanding its vision from an annual hymn concert into a national movement that would inspire spiritual revival while encouraging responsible leadership and peaceful democratic participation.
According to him, preparations are already underway for the Peace and Unity Carol Concert scheduled for December 5, 2026, and the Third Festival of 12 Hymns Concert slated for January 30, 2027.
He disclosed that the events would also feature the proposed Abuja Declaration for Peaceful and Credible Elections 2027 as well as the inauguration of the Festival of 12 Hymns Peace and Leadership Awards, designed to recognise Nigerians who have distinguished themselves through integrity, humanitarian service, peacebuilding and exemplary leadership.
Useh appealed to the Christian Council of Nigeria to partner with the Network in mobilising churches nationwide, providing institutional support, identifying deserving award recipients, engaging development partners and endorsing the proposed Abuja Declaration.
Responding, the General Secretary of the Christian Council of Nigeria, Rt. Revd. Evans Onyemara, welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and consistent with the Council’s longstanding commitment to Christian unity, national peace and social transformation.
He assured the delegation that the Council would mobilise its member churches, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory, to participate actively through worship, choir involvement, publicity and prayer support.
Onyemara further pledged that the Council would communicate formally with its state and FCT structures to ensure broad participation while also assisting in promoting the programme across its extensive church network.
In a significant boost to the initiative, the CCN General Secretary advised the Festival Network to seek Associate Membership of the Council, explaining that such institutional affiliation would deepen collaboration, enhance credibility and open wider opportunities for partnership with churches and development organisations.
“This initiative deserves our full support,” Onyemara declared.
“Great visions often begin modestly, but through perseverance, consistency and God’s grace they grow into enduring institutions that bless generations.”
He also promised to brief Heads of Churches under the Christian Council of Nigeria to secure broader institutional participation ahead of the 2026 and 2027 events.
Adding another dimension to the discussions, Director of the CCN Institute of Church and Society, Very Rev. Kolade Fadahunsi, challenged the organisers to extend the impact of the Festival beyond concert halls into communities devastated by insecurity, displacement and violence.
He observed that hymns and sacred music possess profound healing power capable of restoring hope, promoting reconciliation and strengthening communities affected by conflict.
According to him, the Festival has the potential to evolve into a nationwide peace-building movement that advances Christian values while contributing to national healing.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Director of Music, Mr. Ibor Abam, expressed appreciation for what he described as the warm reception and fatherly encouragement extended by the Christian Council leadership.
He said the assurances given by the Council had strengthened the Network’s resolve to build the Festival into a national platform for worship, peace advocacy and Christian unity.
The meeting ended with prayers and an Episcopal blessing offered by Bishop Onyemara, who prayed for wisdom, divine guidance and success as preparations intensify for what both organisations hope will become one of Nigeria’s most influential faith-based peace initiatives.
With the Christian Council of Nigeria now firmly behind the vision, the Festival of 12 Hymns Network appears poised to transform sacred music into a powerful instrument for national dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful civic engagement as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
