In commemoration of her 22nd anniversary, the management of Adam and eve luxury store hosted families, friends and customers in a classy carol service and dinner in GRA Ikeja, Lagos. The crème de la crème, entrepreneurs, political bigwigs, top socialites and professionals turned out for the event. The festival of carol took place at their headquarters at Isaac Jones, Ikeja, Lagos.
Sunday 27th day of October 2019 was the day for the event and it started by 5 pm. The ambiance created at the venue was a beautiful one depicting Christmas. The outdoor was decorated in green rugs and red at the walkways. There were lightening stands where guests took beautiful pictures. The beautiful décor at the red carpet thrilled the guests and they could not help but take pictures. Some artworks portraying the lifestyle of Jesus Christ were placed within the store. The service of nine lessons and carol started with a processional hymn ‘O little town of Bethlehem’ by the city coral choir in procession while the guests were seated. The congregation stood for the bidding prayer and the first carol song.
The officiating Ministers from the Anglican Communion of Nigeria Rt Rev Yinka Akinlade, Bishop of Ife Diocese, The Most Rev. (Prof) Adebayo Akinde Rtd Archbishop of Lagos, Rt Rev. Ranti Odubogun Rtd Bishop of Ife Diocese. The Officiating Ministers from the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos include Rt Rev, Monsignor [D] John Aniagwu Vicar General/Episcopal Vicar, Ikeja Region, Very Rev. Fr Ethelbert Ukpaki Dean of Epe and Rev.FR. Phillip Uchendu Parish Priest St. Rita Catholic Church.
The first lesson was taken by Mrs Teni Ojigbede, a co-founder of Adam and eve. She read the book of Genesis 3; 1-15 and the congregation sat while the choir took the song good king Wenceslas’. Dr. Mrs Femi Taiwo, former permanent secretary Lagos state took the second lesson in Genesis 22;15-18, followed by a carol song o come, o come Emmanuel. Isaiah 9;2,6-7 was the third lesson and was cited by Chief Mrs Yetunde Onanuga former Deputy Governor Ogun State. The city coral choir gave a wonderful rendition from Handels Messiah shortly after the third lesson.
Rear Admiral Itunu Hotonu, the first female admiral officer in Africa and the Architect in the Nigerian Army took the fourth lesson in Isaiah 11; 1-9. The a.k.a Melodies changed the atmosphere with their rendition of Yoruba Carol song titled Irawo didan kan yo. Justice Mrs Funmi Atilade delivered the fifth lesson in the book of Luke 1; 26-38 and the carol Hail Holy Mary. The sixth reading was taken by Mr Modupe Adelaja, former defense Minister. The city coral led the song ‘God rest ye merry, gentlemen’.
Prof Mrs Feyi Adegoke, professor of Physiology Lagos University Teaching Hospital read the seventh lesson from Luke 2; 8-16. The Yoruba Carol Elu Agogo was taken by a.k.a Melodies. Dame Damola Akran Chairman, Board of Trustees Catholic Women Organization of Nigeria took the eighth lesson from Mathew 2; 1-12.and the carol song Hark the herald. The Ninth lesson was taken by the Congregation from John 1; 1-14 and the carol Joy to the world.
The Christmas message was taken by Rt Rev. Monsignor [Dr] John Aniagwu and he spoke on peace. He said the nation is filled with a lot of chaos, trouble and sad news because we lack good deeds and peace can only be unto men of good deeds. He admonished the guests present that if every individual can pursue good deeds, then the world will be a better place free of war, killings, kidnapping, rituals, and other evil vices. As a nation, peace can only be attained when we all pursue good deeds to our neighbours, friends, families, workers and leaders.
The CEO of Adam and Eve luxury store Mrs Modupe Ogunlesi and her husband took out time to appreciate guests who honoured their invitation from different parts of the world. She mentioned that the carol is not a tradition but an avenue to preach Hope again because Jesus Christ is the hope of the world.
The choir took the recessional hymn ding dong merrily on high as they walked outside the hall as guests took photographs. The Anniversary was wrapped in a classy dinner where guests had more than enough to eat and drink.
–TITILOPE OGUNLEYE
