By Karen James
On Friday, November 8, 2024, the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity in Onitsha, Anambra State, will be the epicenter of a powerful spiritual gathering as it hosts the annual Unusual Praise event. The much-anticipated program aims to draw worshippers from across the region for a night of vibrant worship, impactful evangelism, and transformative youth empowerment initiatives.
Stella-Maris Ikelionwu, the head of media for Unusual Praise, spoke to journalists about the vision behind the event, emphasizing its sole focus on evangelism and worship. “Unusual Praise is purely an evangelistic outreach,” she said. “It’s a time for people to come together to worship God, putting aside their worries to focus on Him.”
Ikelionwu highlighted that Unusual Praise is not affiliated with any political or commercial agendas, and it operates thanks to the support of private individuals, corporate organizations, and ambassadors dedicated to the cause. Among the sponsors are banks, businesses, and longstanding supporters like GUO, who help link the organization with new sponsors to expand its reach.
The program is expected to resonate deeply with attendees, with youth empowerment as a central focus. Last year, 20 young individuals received career and business mentorship through Unusual Praise, and organizers are aiming to empower even more in 2024. One notable success story from last year is Kennedy, a young artist who thrived under the mentorship and guidance of the Unusual Praise team. “We don’t just hand out jobs or money casually,” said Ikelionwu. “There’s a thorough process. We require participants to submit business plans and match them with mentors who provide guidance and track their progress, ensuring they build sustainable businesses.”
The event also takes extensive steps to provide spiritually enriching performances. Joseph Okolsama, technical director for electronic evangelism, described the rigorous selection process for performers. “These are not just artists; they are ministers who dedicate time to prayer and fasting,” he shared. Okolsama’s team carefully screens and trains performers, starting with an open call in April and narrowing down candidates based on their ability to minister through music and the word of God. “Everything you see at Unusual Praise is designed to draw people to hear the word of God, as ‘faith comes by hearing the word of God.’”
As the final preparations are set for this Friday’s event, organizers remain hopeful that this year’s Unusual Praise will not only uplift and inspire those in attendance but also win countless souls for Christ.
