Gospel music stars like Asu Ekiye, Panam Percy Paul, Samsong and Solomon Lange are ready to perform at the launch of the audio Bible in 19 Nigerian languages billed to hold at the Congress Hall of the Nicon Hilton, Abuja on July 18 from 1pm.
Dike Chukwumerije, son of late Senator Uche Chukwumerije, alongside Prof. Herbert Wilson would be on call to dish out inspiring poems, as well as renowned. Also, former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, has confirmed attendance for the July 18 event.
General Overseer of Christos International Worship Centre, Abuja, and producer of the Bibles, David Ogudu, described the forthcoming event as “day of fun” at a media event in Abuja on Saturday, June 27.
“It’s going to be a day of music, comedy and spiritual rejuvenation,” said Ogudu.
Nollywood actors Ejike Asiegbu, Larry Koldsweat and Zach Orji are among the celebrity partners of the project and would help in propagating the Bible to the public.
Ogudu said he came about the idea on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 5am. “I had a night vision where I was commanded by the angel to go and prepare audio Bible in different languages in Nigeria, for the healing and restoration of man’s dignity (Matt 4:14), reminding me how I was healed through an English audio Bible years ago, and how it will help strengthen my mother’s fragile age.
“Today we have it in 19 languages. The vision first came to me 19 years ago, precisely September 1996, while in Bible school in Benin City. But I did not know how it will become a reality; but today it’s a reality. It is my desire that all Nigerians will embrace it, especially the Christian body, for unity, sense of purpose, direction and the self-dignity of our people. Also the generations yet unborn will be able to connect to their root even in this era of globalisation and westernisation. Also preserving the word of God and making it easy for this generation to connect in this 21st century with their people because of the languages,” he said.
The 19 languages are Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Efik, Ibibio, Ebira, Idoma, Tiv, Igala, Urhobo, Itsekiri, Okrika, Ijaw, Benin, Gbagi, Gwari, Fulani, Ogoni and Pidgin English.
“We are working on producing in other languages after this one, because the sole aim is to win souls for God, but we are trusting God for partnership from government, Ministry of Education, multinational bodies and international Bible societies to help in distributing it to all nooks and crannies because we would be holding crusades in any part of the country that speaks the particular language in the audio Bible with our celebrity partners.”
Ogudu got his calling at age 19 while studying chemical engineering at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, June 11, 1994 to be precise. “So I had to leave school for the All Nations For Christ Bible Institute owned by the late Bishop Benson Idahosa. Coincidentally, I had a vision where I saw myself shipping Bibles. So I guess God wanted me to get involved in this project since 21 years ago.”