Edo State deputy governor, Dennis Idahosa, has tasked gospel singers to focus on the principles and values of Christianity in their music ministry.
The deputy governor stated this in Benin when he played host to the Fellowship of Gospel Music Ministers of Nigeria (FOGMMON).
In a statement by his chief press secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, the deputy governor maintained that what makes gospel music different from circular music is hinged on its distinct message and ability to lead listeners to repentance and to God.
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“I want to see more of our gospel artistes who will speak in line with the principles and values of Christianity as was obtainable when we were growing up.
“Those songs were a kind of Rhema from God. We shouldn’t be designing our music almost like circular music. We should go back to the drawing board and look at the kind of songs we produce.
“We should go back to who we are as Christians and produce songs that edify God based on our kind of worship songs,” he stated.
He assured the gospel artistes of the state government’s collaboration to make their international conference scheduled for October a significant one.
Idahosa commended members of its Local Organising Committee (LOC) for finding the state fit to host such an event.
He informed the Christian body that, “We made a promise during the campaign period to use governance to promote Christianity.
“The Edo State government plans to have a music talent hunt. One of the best ways for God to be moved is through worship,” he stated.
Earlier, the leader of FOGMMON, Louis Imafidon, said membership of the association spread across the country and in diaspora.
The Christian body, through its leaders, craved the collaboration and physical presence of government at the scheduled event to make the occasion seamless and credible.
In a similar vein, Idahosa received the management of Zios Confectionery led by its chief executive officer, Mrs Ezeigbe Ozioma, who informed him of an upcoming “Feed-a-Thon” project also slated for next month.
The deputy governor pledged his personal support, noting that he would bring the scheduled event to the notice of the governor for necessary collaboration and support.
In related development, Idahosa also listened to the requests of the executive officers of War Against Indiscipline (WAI) Brigade, Edo State Command, led by Commander Monday Eson.
He promised to network with them in the areas of awareness and sensitisation creation based on their presentation on environmental sanitation.
