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From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
Edo State Government, yesterday, said that the winner of the Edo State Gospel Art and Creative Festival/Award (EdoGoF) would go home with the staggering amount of N50 million.
This was disclosed by Mr. Godsent Erhunmwunse, the Senior Special Adviser on Religious Matters to governor Godwin Obaseki.
He said the event is in line with the directive of the state governor to discover raw talents across the 18 local government areas of the state from the church, harness and showcase them to the world.
He said the competition will kick off from the grassroot level with applications to compete for the senatorial prizes in three categories choir, (contemporary, classical and traditional) solo singer and dance group (contemporary).
The SSA to the governor said after the auditions, the competition will run for two days in each senatorial and the winners of each categories qualifies for the next round adding that this will run through all the different districts.
He maintained that the results will be announced at the October 1st event in Benin and some contestants will perform within the event at the Victor Uwaifo Creative hub.
Erhunmwunse further explained that the best participants for each categories (1st, 2nd and 3rd) across all districts will be given Bishop Kure’s Prize, adding that the 1st position from all categories and subcategories will come to the state finals to compete for the governor’s award.
Commenting on the political and social impact of EdoGoF, he said it will impact greatly on youth empowerment, tourism and economic development of the state.
He added that their duty as christians is to preach the gospel both in words and in action.
On the objectives of the programme, the Senior Special Assistant said it will provide a platform for talented choir and singers in Edo State to showcase their skills and creativity, foster innovative dancing as a means of artistic expression and cultural preservation, strengthen cultural bonds and promote unity among the people of Edo State.
He said the winners from the district shall come together to compete in the final stage to produce the state winners (one from each categories just as he said that the result and award of the winners will be announced at the praise/carol concert festival the next day.
The award, Erhunmwunse disclosed, will be named after Margret Benson Idahosa’s, the Archbishop of Church of God Mission.
