One thing that cuts across various cultures is music; it has the power of uniting individuals despite their diversities. So, it is no surprise that the Wakirike (popularly called Okrika) people who have been talked about for all the wrong reasons in recent past have chosen music as their preferred tool to transform their land.
Spearheaded by the Wakirike Coalition, a development organisation, the 1000-voice Wakirike Unity Concert is a first for the Wakirike clan which is made up of nine towns, and also for the state.
“We felt it was important to project the positive things about the Wakirike clan; it didn’t take much discussion before we decided to organise a music concert. We are gifted with exceptionally talented gospel, classical and folklore singers,” said Rt. Rev. Precious Omuku, International Coordinator & Chairman, Board of Trustees, Wakirike Development Coalition.
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“More importantly, music connects people in ways no other medium can. Bono said ‘music can change the world’ and Martin Luther described it as ‘the greatest treasure’ after the word of God. The good book is also full of quotes on music, for example, “Sing praises to God, sing praises; Sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth.” Psalm 47:6&7,” then he explained.
According to the organisers, the primary purpose of the concert is to bring together the Wakirike people in the Niger Delta area of River State, along with other residents of the state and beyond.
The concert is also expected to foster unity among the choristers, choirmasters, churches and all Wakirike communities, as every Wakirike church and community is represented in the Unity Choir
“You see, Wakirike Development Coalition was established in Baltimore, Maryland on 29 May 2010 with a mission, “to lift our people out of poverty on the road to prosperity one family at a time,” explained Abiye Hector Goma, of the coalition office, UK chapter.
“Our first public activity in Port Harcourt was in December 2013 when we organised a two-day Wakirike Development Summit. Since then, we have been carrying out activities quietly and we felt it was time to engage the Wakirike public again,” Goma said.
The organisers hope this powerful show of unity will speak where words fail and unite various factions in religion, politics and communities of Wakirike, and also extend to- the Ikwerres, Elemes, Ogonis, Ibanis, Kalabaris their immediate neighbours and by extension the entire Rivers State, the Ijaw Nation and Nigeria.
“Where the people are united, we can command the Lord’s blessings and we can expect peace and development in our land,” stressed Goma.
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The free-for-all concert has a second objective which is to support Wakirike people, as it aims to raise significant funds to continue various projects especially its flagship Youth Skills Project, now in its fourth year.
When the idea was first discussed many people were apathetic, Goma explained, but thanks to a few passionate and committed members of the Event Team, they crisscrossed the land, using all means of communication.
“The combination of their hard work and the involvement of many stakeholders in the public, private, voluntary and community sectors, the concert has become the talk of the town,” he said.
“We have a 1000 choristers meeting at four locations in the three Local Government Areas. Photographs and video clips from the rehearsals are shared on social media bringing clarity even to sceptics.
“We are paying courtesy calls to the Bishops, traditional rulers, chiefs; heads of professional groups, politicians, Judges, senior civil servants, media houses and sharing the objectives of the event with them. You can see that the various sectors of the community are actively rooting for the event. Indeed, the nets are working,” said Goma.
Meanwhile precision in renditions, sound voice command, harmony and beautiful soul-lifting experience awaits every attendee with an ear for music. There will also be classical repertoire, folk songs, gospel music from individuals and the one thousand-voice choir as well as performances from instrumentalists.
A lot of man-hours have been dedicated to this event with weekly rehearsals at four centres in three different towns namely; Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Port Harcourt since August 2017, with a core events team and an ever-expanding body of volunteers bringing in dedication, experience and expertise.
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Apart from the choral renditions, there will be brief exhortations. Also, WDC commenced virtual Wakirike language classes on social media which now has over 500 students. There will be opportunities for guests to make online donations to one or more of our projects. Sponsorship for the event according to the organisers has been challenging because of the economy and upcoming Christmas celebrations but several individuals have given towards it.
“Two catering firms have offered food packs for the choristers, a transport company will provide vehicles and a family has pledged a million naira toward the venue, another took the responsibility of binding the music sheets for the choir. Some major things are pending but we are reassured that this will be finalised shortly.
The first part of the concert will feature classical music. An expectant Goma said, “Our dressing will reflect the Western genre. Our rich cultural heritage and culture will be on display by the time our Wakirike songs are belted out!”
“Above all, it is a call to the people to appreciate God for all He has done for the Wakirike Kingdom as there has been much bloodshed this decade and we can thank him in advance as we renew our hearts towards lasting peace and unity in the Kingdom,” said Rt. Rev Omuku.
Mabel Dimma
