Maduako Igbokwe l Thursday, November 25, 2021
ONITSHA, Anambra, Nigeria – Despite spending heavily on election, the Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation has said it will co- sponsor the 2021 edition of Africa’s largest Catholic gospel event, Unusual Praise, in Onitsha on Friday, November 26, 2021.
In a statement issued by the Founder of the VCO Foundation, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, expressed joy and humility at “the opportunity of contributing to the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ on the continent of Africa”.
‘ Unusual Praise’ is an annual showpiece that brings all Christians together, particularly the Catholic faithful, for an evening of transformational gospel ministration, praise, and worship.
Valentine Ozigbo who contested the governorship for position of Anambra state on the platform of People Democratic Party PDP early this month , said the event was inspired by the Holy Spirit and being organised by the Catholic Church Of Divine Mercy Lekki.
According to him, ‘Unusual Praise 2021’ is the first double edition of the event, which is scheduled to hold in Onitsha and Lagos respectively. He said the Onitsha event is scheduled to hold at the Cathedral Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha.
Ozigbo also thanked God for carrying him through so far in life ,especially in the last two years in which he ran for the governorship of Anambra State.
“It is a joy and with humility that I offer my contribution to bring Unusual Praise to my home state of Anambra. As a member of the Charismatic movement in Nigeria, Unusual Praise is one event dear to my heart and I am looking forward to a wonderful evening of thanksgiving, praise, and worship.
“Unusual Praise is coming to Anambra at a perfect time, and I am proud that the VCO Foundation is a part of this historic project. As the name goes, Unusual Praise is a break from the norm and could potentially serve as the turning point for my people. Recently, Anambra has experienced challenging times, and an evening of Unusual Praise will, in no small measure, help raise the spirit of my people.
“I am grateful for the leadership of the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy led by Monsignor Paschal Nwaezeapu, for catching this divine vision which started in 2011 and taking it to the next level. I thank him for the confidence he had in me when he appointed me the Chair of Unusual Praise in 2018.
“I wish to specially thank Mr Francis Anyakwo for his generous financial contribution towards the sponsorship of Unusual Praise,” he stated.
According to Mr Ozigbo the Unusual Praise event will help spread the message of love, community, and upliftment, which the VCO Foundation has always stands for.
“The Unusual Praise brand reflects love, community, and upliftment. These qualities embody the true essence of what the VCO Foundation stands for, so we are excited to partner with Africa’s biggest Catholic gospel music brand. Unusual Praise is a worthy platform to touch the lives of Ndi Anambra, and we are proud to be part of this historic project,” Ozigbo said
The Chairman of Unusual Praise 2021, Mr George Agu, said it was an easy partnership to strike because the VCO Foundation has built a reputation for championing initiatives that have uplifted Christians in Anambra.
Agu also added that Mr Ozigbo has always been a part of the Unusual Praise family and showed readiness to contribute to the event’s success in his home state.
This year’s edition will witness ministrations by top gospel artistes from around the country, including Steve Crown, Chinyere Udoma, Osinachi Nwachukwu, Chioma Jesus, Prince Gozie Okeke, BJ Sax, Joe Praise, Avoma Kids, Nkiru Emmanuel, Jude Nnam, and many others.
