Entertainment
Group Holds Gospel Music Fiesta In PH …As Over 200 Youths Give Lives To Christ
A Port Harcourt based Gospel group, Grace Gospel Outreach, a non-denominational group recently organised a gospel music jamboree titled: “Love Praise Concert 2020” and the unveiling of the group’s maiden edition of Gospel Female Soccer Tournament to mark their 7th edition of the gospel music festival.
The week long activities which started on February 9th,2020 at the St.Andrew’s School Field, Mile One Diobu Port Harcourt attracted a crowd of youths and Christian faithfuls across the state who were thrilled by gospel artistes with seasoned gospel preachers in attendance
Among the guest artistes who held the large crowd spell bound with their amazing performances were Sammy Wonders, Yada,Doris Francis, WhatLad,Annie Winsome and crew as well as the host,Next Grace Gospel band that showcased captivating songs and fantastic dance steps
The love concert which coincided with this year’s St.Valentine’s love week also featured ace comedian, K.O.Baba. who charged up the atmosphere with laughter and fun .He succeeded in cracking some ribs with his funny jokes as well as other side attractions that added spice to the event.
The organizers of the event also paraded some of the best gospel preachers in the state who dished out soul searching sermons and prayers, led by Pastor (Dr)Helpmeet Ene Secondus(wife of the national chairman of the People’s Democratic Party) Uche Second. Others were Rev (Mrs) Christie Nature, Rev.Loveday Akah of the Assemblies of God Church Port Harcourt, Pastor Wisdom K and Pastor Josiah Orisah among others.
One of the significant points of the love concert was the conversion of over 200 youths who gave their lives to Christ after a powerful alter call by Pastor Josiah Orisah.
The climax of the week long gospel fiesta was the unveiling of the maiden edition Of the group’s gospel female soccer tournament that debuted Six teams namely: King’s Jewels FC,Golden Sun FC,and the Royal Qeens FC.Others included Golden Angels FC,Future Angels FC and Osklean Football Academy Port Harcourt.
At final stage of the keenly contested tournament held on Sunday February 16th 2020 at St Andrew’s School Field Port Harcourt, Royal Queens FC defeated Golden Angels FC 4-3 by penalty after a goalless draw at full time of the game. The winners went home with the highly coveted golden soccer trophy, the Golden Angels FC won the silver cup, while the Golden Sun FC of Bayelsa State clinched the bronze cup.
Awards were also given to other categories of winners. The award for Best Player/Highest Goal Scorer of the tournament was presented to Miss Sabina Iwow of the Golden Sun FC of Bayelsa State, Miss.Glory Woke of King’s Jewels FC of the Assemblies Of God Church port Harcourt. The team also won the award for Best Behaved team.
Speaking with The Tide shortly after the event ,the convener of the event and founder of the Next Grace Gospel outreach, pastor Akpan Aniekpeno Okon said:”The purpose of the annual love praise concert and gospel female tournament is to bring Christian faithfuls, especially the youths together in a Godly platform every st.Valentine’s season when all manner of canal and worldly activities have been initiated by the devil to sway the youths away from the kingdom of God”.
He noted that the program was to frustrate the devil by redirecting the mindset of Christians towards God through preaching the gospel, songs and praise as well as provide a platform for the budding artists to showcase their talents and encourage women participation in football.
Pastor Akpan who is also the immediate past chief whip of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Rivers State chapter and a member of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) in the state, disclosed that since the inception of the gospel love concert in 2014, the group had successfully hosted six editions, but the 2020 edition remains the best so far due to the unprecedented turnout of youths, most of who gave their lives to Christ at the event.
The United Nations Excellent Young Ambassador of Peace awardee also disclosed that the 7th edition of the event was unique as it marked the unveiling of the group’s female soccer championship. He attributed the success to God’s divine intervention and grace, and the dedication of the organisers such as the outgoing chairman of AGN in the state, Mr.Batholomew Gerald Aguogo, Lizzy Charles, his wife Ibiye and children whose support, financial and moral contributions led to the success of the event.
Also speaking. The event manager, Mr.Long john Kingsley Ogunka said: the enviable success recorded at the event was not achieved on a platter of gold as they had to surmount daunting challenges bordering on finance and logistics
Mr.Long John who is also the Public Relations Officer of the group called for partnership with government and Christian organizations to move Next Grace Gospel outreach to the next level of growth. He noted that with the experiences they have acquired from previous editions, the 8th edition in 2021,would record greater milestones and new innovations.
Jacob Obinna
Entertainment
“The Legal Day” 2025: Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Moves to Promote French Via Law
In a bid to promote the French language through law and build bridges between communities the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Nigeria has organized the 2025 edition of “La Journée du Droit” (“The Legal Day”)
The event which took place at Alliance Française auditorium was a civic and linguistic celebration designed to help learners of French Language and young citizens discover the importance of law in everyday life.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event featured interactive quiz sessions, exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa and beyond, pointing out both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
Throughout the day, the event featured interactive quiz sessions exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa, and beyond, highlighting both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
The initiative was aimed at encouraging reflection on the rights and responsibilities shared by all citizens and to promote the values of justice, equality, and mutual respect through the French language.
The programme which had two sessions, (Morning and Afternoon session) witnessed the participation of about 150 students from various levels of education. Ranging from the Primary, Secondary, and tertiary institution for an engaging experience of civic and legal concepts.
Schools in attendance included Surebloom International School, Pleroma High School, Casterly Rock Secondary School, and TotalEnergies Port Harcourt School.
The morning sessions saw the Participation of Alliance Française students in an interactive quiz, enhancing their French comprehension while exploring civic notions.
While the Afternoon session had students from the University of Port Harcourt – UNIPORT (French Language and Law Departments), students from the French Department from both Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State University joined in the final rounds of the competition.
According to the director of Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal, all quiz questions were presented in French, then translated into English to ensure full understanding by participants, saying that winners received special prizes, as all attendees took home souvenirs from the educational and convivial event.
Mrs Lacal said that the diplomatic and educational initiative event “La Journée du Droit” (The Legal Day) sought to promote the French language through law, highlight the capacity of law to build bridges between communities and emphasize law as one of the pillars of French diplomacy.
“Through this initiative, the Alliance Française Port Harcourt continues its mission to foster intercultural dialogue, civic awareness, and the learning of French as a language of knowledge, culture, and citizenship,”?she?added.
The Garden City of Rivers State Port Harcourt at the weekend joined other parts of the world to celebrate the World Music Day, 2025, as Alliance Française showcases talents.
The event which is internationally known as Fête de la musique was held at cultural hall of the Alliance Française was a remarkable concert with memorable experience.
The event brought together music lovers, students, Artistes and members of the community For an exciting evening live performances and cultural exchange.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the world Music Day, which was created 1982 in France by the then Minister of culture, Jack Lang, ‘ Fête de la Musique’ is now celebrated in more than 100 countries every 21st June, marking the first day of summer with free concerts and musical showcases in public spaces.
In Port Harcourt, the Alliance Française honoured the tradition by spotlighting four(4) emerging artistes offering a platform to young talents shaping the city’s contemporary scene.
The audience enjoyed an unforgettable moments as they were entertained by the powerful performances from Preach A, who is known for blending fitness culture with spoken words and rhythm.
Also, artiste Emmayany delivering a vibrant fusion of afrobeat and afro pop. A singer, song writer and a performing artiste with a distinct sound.
Others were Amarachy Uko, a sensational singer with passion for soul , R&B, pop music and afrobeat.
While DJ Prospel closed the night with an energetic DJ set that got the entire hall dancing.
Earlier, the Director, Alliance Française, Port Harcourt Mrs Marina Lacal high lighted the mission of the Alliance Française saying that the event was more than a concert.
According to her, the event was put together by the Alliance Française to promote cultural diversity and foster artistic expression by connecting a long standing French tradition with creativity of the local music scene, adding that the event offerers an avenue for dialogue between culture and generations.
She stated that the event is used to promote professional and bring amateur artistes to limelight via the platform of the Alliance Française which is aimed at promoting the French Language through cultural heritage.
She explained that the celebration is also a broader series of Fête de la musique activities organized by the 10 Alliance Française across Nigeria in sync with concerts held in France and around the world simultaneously.
She further noted that the occasion reaffirms the role of Alliance Française as a cultural bridge, one where French heritage meets the pulses of Nigerian youth.
It would be recalled that no fewer than 19 artistes applied to perform at the event in Port Harcourt, but only four got approval for appearance.
The Governor of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, Comrade Moses Mabadeje popularly known as Mozy B said that the body has announced plans to implement performance Levy on artistes in the state with effect from 21st June.
This was carried in a statement released to The Tide Entertainment, yesterday by the Deputy Governor of the association, Comrade Abiye Howells.
According to the Governor, the announcement was made by PMAN, the only governing body that regulates the music profession in Nigeria, as authorized by the Government of Nigeria, in line with the Trade Union Act.
He stated that those affected by the Levy include (Non members)bands, groups, Hotels, Bars, lounges, Event Centres, show organizers, promoters and other stakeholders hosting events which feature live music performances within the State.
However, the Levy does not apply to members of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria. (PMAN).
Comrade Moses Mabadeje, explained that this drive is aimed at financing the association and supporting the welfare and interest of musicians as outlined in Article 8 of the PMAN constitution as amended (2023). Consequently, a PMAN task force has been set up to enforce and swing into action to effect this move.
He further said that event organizers, promoters and owners of event centers are expected to comply with this regulation as the Governor has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the association to ensure the successful implementation of the levy and the peaceful co-existence between PMAN and Stockholders.
Nancy Briggs