By Linus Obogo
The U.J. Esuene Stadium, last night shimmered like a living altar, its vast expanse alive with light, sound and an almost tangible sense of sacred anticipation. From the moment dusk surrendered to night, a jubilant throng of Cross Riverians streamed in, their faces aglow with expectation, their hearts primed for praise. Voices rose even before the first note was struck, swelling into a collective hum that wrapped the arena in warmth. It was not merely a gathering; it was a convocation of faith, rhythm and joy, where the city’s pulse beat in synchrony with heaven’s cadence.
As the night unfurled, Calabar Gospel Night announced itself in all its splendour, an inspired fusion of music and worship that lifted spirits skyward. When GUC mounted the stage, the atmosphere shifted palpably, his soul-stirring melodies flowing like incense across the stadium. Each lyric seemed to find its way into the deepest chambers of the heart, drawing tears from some, smiles from others, and reverent silence from many. Moments later, Nathaniel Bassey took his place, trumpet in hand, ushering the crowd into waves of exaltation that rolled endlessly, as if the very heavens had leaned low to listen.
The stadium, filled to capacity, became a sea of swaying bodies and uplifted hands, a tapestry of devotion woven from thousands of voices singing as one. Praise erupted spontaneously, sometimes erupting into ecstatic dance, sometimes dissolving into hushed awe. The night air vibrated with hallelujahs and choruses, punctuated by the glow of phone lights raised like modern-day candles. In that sacred convergence, time seemed suspended, replaced by an overwhelming awareness of presence—divine, communal and profoundly alive.
Dignitaries lent the evening a stately grace, their presence underscoring the significance of the moment. At the heart of it all sat Their Excellencies, Apostle Senator Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, and his wife, Bishop Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu radiating warmth and reverence as they joined in the worship. Beside them were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Odey; former member of the House of Representatives, Daniel Asuquo; the Chief of Staff, Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar; members of the House of Assembly and Commissioners. Titles dissolved in the glow of worship, as leaders and citizens alike bowed to a higher call.
Beyond the music and the movement, the night carried deeper meaning as part of the celebrated 32 days of the Carnival Calabar Fiesta. It stood as a spiritual pillar within the carnival’s vibrant mosaic, reminding all that joy and reverence can dance hand in hand. The gospel night offered a cleansing pause, a moment to breathe, to reflect, and to reconnect with values that anchor celebration in purpose. In that harmony of festivity and faith, Calabar once again affirmed its identity as a city of culture, spirit and boundless hospitality.
As the final notes lingered and the crowd slowly dispersed, the echoes of praise refused to fade. They clung to the night sky, followed worshippers home, and settled gently over the city like a benediction. Calabar Gospel Night had done more than entertain; it had ignited hearts, united generations and reaffirmed a shared devotion. Long after the lights dimmed at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, the memory of that exhilarating night continued to glow—an enduring testament to the power of music, faith and a people gathered as one.
At the very heart of this resplendent showpiece was the deft orchestration of the Special Adviser on Event Management, Mr. Effiong Ekpeyong, whose creative vision and meticulous coordination transformed the night into a defining spiritual spectacle of the Carnival Calabar Fiesta. With an eye for grandeur and a soul attuned to purpose, he cobbled the Calabar Gospel Night as a deliberate offering, one that married celebration with consecration, and spectacle with substance. Under his stewardship, the event rose beyond entertainment to become a moving testament to faith, culture and excellence, reaffirming the place of inspired event curation in the enduring success of Cross River State’s carnival legacy.
Obogo isChief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Otu
