The Nigerian Army Directorate of Chaplain Services (Protestant), through its Protestant Chorale Ensemble, on Christmas Day hosted a Mega Christmas Concert tagged “Christmas in the Barracks”, with the theme “Arise, Shine, Thy Light Is Come.”
The concert, held at St. George’s Military Church (Protestant), Apapa, Lagos, brought together soldiers, their families, and invited guests in a celebration of faith, music, and unity.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, the Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, Major General Nansak Danjuma Shagaya, said the true essence of Christmas lies in sharing love and embracing peace, particularly at a time when the nation faces security challenges.
He urged Nigerians to reflect on the state of insecurity and pray for lasting peace, while also offering prayers for troops engaged in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
Convener of the event and Deputy Chief of Staff Administration, Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, Bonny Cantonment, Lieutenant Colonel Kyat Kachiro, noted that many soldiers often celebrate Christmas in trenches, far away from their families.
He said the concert was organised to celebrate with families who frequently spend festive seasons without their loved ones, reaffirming that the military cares for them.
Lieutenant Colonel Kachiro added that the concert was also aimed at revitalising choirs in Nigerian Army Protestant churches and enhancing worship among military personnel and their families.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Staff, Headquarters Directorate of Chaplain Services (Protestant), Lieutenant Colonel (Canon) Ayika Emmanuel Adamu, described music as a powerful gift and a language of the soul that connects worshippers to God.
He expressed confidence that through worship and praise, success would attend all their endeavours.
The concert featured over 150 singers drawn from 12 Nigerian Army churches, one Nigerian Navy church, and the Glowxy Chorale, all based in Lagos.
Senior military officers and captains of industry graced the occasion.
Reporting by Mary Fatile