NCMFF INAUGURATED TO FOSTER UNITY, REACH OUT TO PEOPLE

Story by Dili Utomi

The need for a foundation that will cater for the needs of budding talents as well as established choral music performers who have one form of challenge or the other and again, the desire to foster unity and the preservation of the music genre has led to the formation of the Nigerian Choral Music Festival & Foundation (NCMFF).

Music is the food of love as well as a tool for relaxation and entertainment, but choral music goes a bit further. It is a means of expressing ecclesiastical, intrinsically spiritual and psychologically motivating thoughts.

The lovers of choral music in Nigeria have therefore deemed it necessary to put a foundation together for the continuous growth of the genre. Sir Kelechi Agu is the director of music at the Bishop Ajayi Crowther Memorial Anglican Church, Gowon estate, Ipaja. He is also one of those who raised the idea of this foundation.

The Nigerian Choral Music Festival and Foundation (NCMFF) presently has notable personalities holding various positions in the foundation. They include-:

(1) Board of trustees
Sir Agu Kelechi – Chairman
Mr. Joshua Umahi – Secretary
Mr.. Chijindu Hedges – Member
Mr. Lamido Abraham – Member
Mr. Koko Bassey – Member
Engr. Paul Awoyemi – Member
Mr. Kayode Odejimi – Member

(2)National Executive council members
Mr Chijindu Hedges – President
Ms Dike Onyedikachi – Secretary

(3) Dean of the College of Patrons – Ven Festus Ajayi

(4) National Commissioner – Sir Emeka Nwokedi

(5) Regional Chairmen
South South – Elder Sabbath Amadi
South East – Ms. Gold Nnadi
South West – Engr. Paul Awoyemi
North – Mr Dogara

These are men and women of huge reputation as far as the music genre is concerned and worthy ambassadors of the brand.

The Dean of the College of Patrons, Venerable (Dr.) Festus Ajayi is an exceptional servant of God, an accomplished church leader, an ardent lover of sacred music and a distinguished statesman of the Christian faith.

Ven. (Dr.) Festus Oluwole Ajayi has dedicated his life to the service of God, the advancement of the Anglican Communion, and the development of humanity. Throughout his years of ministry, he has exemplified humility, discipline, spiritual excellence and unwavering commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His life continues to inspire both clergy and laity to pursue holiness, diligence and faithful service.

Ven. (Dr.) Ajayi is widely respected as a compassionate pastor, visionary administrator and exemplary leader whose ministry has transformed countless lives. His pastoral care, sound biblical teachings and commitment to nurturing the Body of Christ have earned him admiration across ecclesiastical and civic circles alike.

As an advocate of excellence in Christian worship, Ven. (Dr.) Ajayi has consistently demonstrated deep appreciation for sacred music and the ministry of the choir. He has encouraged the growth of church choirs, promoted musical excellence in worship, supported music education, and inspired generations of choristers to use their God-given talents in glorifying the Almighty. His belief that choral music is a powerful instrument for evangelism, spiritual edification and national unity resonates perfectly with the vision and mission of the Nigerian Choral Music Festival & Foundation.

The National Commissioner, Sir Emeka Nwokedi is one of Africa’s most celebrated choral conductors, music educators, administrators and artistic directors whose influence has shaped generations of musicians and elevated the standard of choral performance in Nigeria and beyond.

His distinguished pedigree includes: Director of the Music Society of Nigeria (MUSON) School of Music where he has played a pivotal role in training and mentoring the next generation of professional musicians.

He is also the Director of the MUSON Choir and Orchestra, providing artistic leadership for one of Nigeria’s foremost musical institutions.

He was a Co-Founder and Director of the prestigious Lagos City Chorale, one of Nigeria’s finest and most respected concert choirs.

A Diocesan Music Director of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos Mainland.

Choirmaster of All Saints’ Church, Surulere, Lagos.

A distinguished Nigerian representative at the Interkultur World Choir Games showcasing Nigeria’s rich choral tradition on the global stage.

Internationally acclaimed choral conductor, adjudicator, clinician, music educator, mentor, and trainer.

Sir Nwokedi is a passionate advocate for excellence, discipline, innovation, and professionalism in choral music. He is widely respected for mentoring countless choir directors, conductors, organists, composers and choristers across Nigeria and Africa.

Reverently celebrated as the “Nana of African Choral Music in recognition of his immense contribution to the preservation, promotion, and advancement of African choral music.

He is affectionately and popularly known throughout the choral community as “IGWE”—a title synonymous with excellence, visionary leadership, musical mastery and artistic distinction.

The appointment of Sir Emeka Nwokedi as National Commissioner of the Nigerian Choral Music Festival and Foundation marks a defining moment in the history of the Foundation. With his vast experience, exceptional leadership, and uncompromising commitment to musical excellence, the Foundation looks forward to a new era of growth, innovation, and global recognition for Nigerian choral music.

The South-West Regional Convention happens on Wednesday, 12th August
2026 by 5.00pm at the All Souls’ Church, Lekki, Lagos. The Convention will provide a veritable opportunity for Sir Nwokedi and a few others to be presented for their positions in the Foundation.

The NCMFF has the vision of opening up the stage a bit wider for talented choral music singers and enthusiasts. This is for a more inclusive participation and display of their natural talents to the world.

For advertisement and more information, please contact us 08027590195, 08035721540 or email us at greatalternativenigltd@gmail.com, diliutomi1@gmail.com. or send us messages on x @dn_utomi or on Instagram @utomidili.