By Charles Kumolu

TEN years after it was conceived as a platform for Nigerians to put aside their striking ethno-religious diversities and worship God,  The Experience  gospel concert, has transformed into a vehicle for the continuous repositioning of Nigeria on the path of greatness.

With the striking qualities of being classy and eventful, the forum has steadily become a melting point for every class of the Nigerian society and beyond.

Indeed, this year’s edition confirmed the popular belief that the event has become a bridge of reconciliation and a beacon of hope to the often maligned continent of Africa.

Held in Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, the event which is unarguably an international brand, attracted political office holders, captains of industry and international gospel stars among others.

Both  the pre-event activities and the show itself were obviously promising to many in the country and across the world, who had looked forward to it.

Having raised the raised curtains with over 700,000 people in attendance as well as millions glued to their television sets across the world, the convener, Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock Church, commended attendees for keep faith with  The Experience.

The host further  invited the governor of Lagos State, who was represented by the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation Mrs Lola Akande, who commended the organisers of the yearly event for making it a global brand and a unifying platform.

With performances by Don Moen,  Sammie Okposo, Micah Strampley and Sonnie Badu from Ghana, The Midnight Crew, Chioma Jesus, Hezekiah Walker, Frank Edwards, Kim Burrel, Jessica Reedy, Fred Hammond and Nathaniel Bassey among others, the show was obviously fulfilling. Interestingly, Frank Edwards, electrified the crowd with his songs,  Okaka, Oghene Doh  resulting in passionate praise and worship. His performance was not bereft of prophetic declarations of healing and breakthroughs as he urged attendees to render unquantifiable praise to God.

He wrapped up his performance by dedicating a special song titled: ‘You’re beautiful’  to the convener’s wife, Pastor Ifeanyi Adefarasin-a gesture that elicited thunderous response from the crowd who joined in singing the song.

However, the ministration by veteran of gospel artiste and perhaps the favourite of the attendees, Don Moen, could easily be described as one of the high points of the event.

He blessed the crowd with his familiar, soothing ministration of some of his ever green worship songs such as  ‘I just want to be where you are’, ‘How great is our God’, ‘Above All’, ‘There is none like you’ and God will make a way’

From Dallas Texas, USA, an honour and a pleasant surprise came as a digital message for the crowd by Bishop T.D Jakes was played amid shouts of joy.

The congregation was led in prayers of thanksgiving for God’s protection of Nigeria at the last general election and deliverance during the Ebola outbreak by Engineer Ntiense Ubon-Israel.

On the sidelines, Adefarasin  said the change slogan in the country cannot come from the government alone but also from every citizen.

“It would be imprudent of us to consider our present circumstances as a nation as one of economic meltdown. We must begin to review our plight as divine economic redirection,” he noted, adding that, “this is not the time to give up or throw in the towel. This is not the end for Nigeria. This is simply an opportunity for a renewed beginning with our best still in front of us.”

On his part, Don Moen described  The Experience  as a great advertisement for Nigeria in terms of culture and excellence in preparation and execution. The Experience is an interdenominational gospel concert that features some of the best-known musical talents in the world.

The forum, which debuted in December 2006 with over 70,000 persons in attendance rapidly gained momentum at its second outing with a quantum leap in attendance of well over 250,000 people. It has now become known as the largest musical concert in Africa.