Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo says Bishop Samuel Elenwo played a great role in the introduction of Contemporary Church Music and African Native Air in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican) Communion.
Dr. Banigo stated this while speaking as a Guest Lecturer at the Bishop Samuel Elenwo 9thAnnual Memorial Lecture at St Paul’s Anglican Church Okporowo Ogbakiri, Diocese of Ikwerre in Emohua Local Government Area on Saturday 14th July, 2014
Represented by her Special Assistant Legal, Barr. Ishmael BlueJack, Dr. Banigo who spoke on the theme “Contemporary Church Music and African Native Air, Successes and Challenges in Evangelism” said the purpose of music in worship is to create shared experiences, speak to the emotions present in the liturgy and impart a sense of deeper theological understanding.
The Deputy Governor said what we have today especially in the old Niger Delta Diocese comprising, the present day Niger Delta, Niger Delta North, Okrika, Ikwerre, Evo, Ogoni, Etche, Ahoada, Niger Delta West, Ogbia, Southern Ijaw, Calabar and Uyo Dioceses are dividends of Bishop Elenwo’s exploits in evangelism using contemporary Church music as a veritable tool.
Bishop Elenwo, according to the Deputy Governor “also encouraged the singing of praises and worship songs in local languages. This gave birth to the incorporation of African Native Air in our Anglican Churches. The African Native Air as obtained in our local churches has diffused to the Churches in the urban cities. It is therefore interesting to note that Churches in urban areas do acquire local instruments for beating to the rhythms of the African Native Air in addition to the conventional band instruments”.
In his Address the Chairman of the Occasion Sir Mike Elechi described Bishop Samuel Elenwo as an embodiment of Christianity who lived a good Christian life, stressing that the import of the 9th Memorial Lecture was to reflect on the legacy and life of the Late pioneer Bishop of the Niger Delta North.
The Bishop Diocese of Ikwerre, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Blessing Enyidah had earlier called on the State Government to do something in memory of the Late Bishop Samuel Elenwo whom he described as a worthy son of Rivers State and a true man of God.
Share Your thoughts !
0 Comments