In a powerful show of philanthropy, vision, and commitment to moral rejuvenation through music, the Asiwaju of Remo Christians and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, is once again uplifting communities with the 2025 edition of his annual choir competition—now with an impressive ₦30 million in prizes.
The festival, officially known as “The Asiwaju of Remo Christians Choir Festival Competition”, is set to take place on July 6 at Abraham Tabernacle Church, Sagamu, an ecumenical edifice under the Nigerian Baptist Convention. This year, the event is expected to draw over 850 choristers from across Nigeria, a remarkable leap in participation that underscores its growing national significance.
For over two decades, Otunba Daniel has personally sponsored the festival, nurturing a platform that not only celebrates musical excellence but also reintroduces core values into society.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the former governor and music lover reflected on his deep roots in the faith and musical world: from his childhood as a clergyman’s son to his days at Baptist Boys High School, where he served as both a chorister and a pianist.
“These formative experiences laid the foundation for my passion for music and its potential to inspire and uplift others,” Senator Daniel shared. “Today, I see music—especially choral music—as a tool to restore discipline, moral values, and a sense of purpose in our young people.”
With a growing concern for societal decline in moral consciousness, Daniel explained that the festival was his own unique way of intervening.
“My goal is to use this platform to help redirect the minds of our youth towards what is right. We must begin to question sudden wealth and reawaken the values that once defined us—integrity, discipline, and accountability.”
In a show of inclusivity and scale, **nine choirs** have now qualified for the final competition, up from the traditional six. The defending champion and the host choir, Abraham Tabernacle Choir, are guaranteed spots in the final showdown. Meanwhile, 21 observing choirs will each receive ₦500,000, in line with Daniel’s ethos of encouragement and inclusiveness.
Dr. Opeyemi Asaolu, Curator and Member of the Organising Board, revealed the prize breakdown:
* ₦5 million for the first-place choir
* ₦3.5 million for second
* ₦2.5 million for third
* Other prizes range from ₦1 million to ₦500,000 down to the ninth place
Compared to last year’s total prize pool of ₦10 million, this year’s ₦30 million shows a significant boost, signaling not just growth in budget, but in vision and societal impact.
Dr. Asaolu also called on public and private sponsors to join hands with Senator Daniel to scale the festival further, saying, “This is more than a music competition—it’s a movement to inspire excellence, character, and unity across Nigeria.”
Other members of the festival’s governing board include Ms. Lilian Imoni, Dr. Adeola Badru, and Mr. Seun Owoaje.
Through this initiative, Otunba Gbenga Daniel continues to live up to his title as the Asiwaju (leader) of Remo Christians — not just by title, but by his actions—leading with heart, humility, and harmony.