In July 2024, the New Nations Choir (NNC) experienced what can only be described as a divine moment of elevation. Representing the Nigerian Baptist Convention, NNC delivered the official welcome song at the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Annual Gathering—the first of its kind ever hosted in Nigeria. The gathering took place at Eko Hotel, Lagos.
Looking back, it still feels surreal.
At the time, the New Nations Baptist Church (NNBC) wasn’t among the most prominent Baptist congregations in Lagos or Nigeria—names like Ikoyi, New Estate, New Dawn, New Heritage, Yaba, Sheperdhill, or Oritamefa would’ve seemed more likely choices for such a global assignment. In fact, we didn’t even have a church building of our own yet; we were still worshiping in the Ogunlaris’ living room in GRA.
Watch NNC perform “Ekaabo” at the Baptist World Alliance Congress in Australia
How It Happened
As a member of the Events & Ceremonial Sub-Committee for the BWA Annual Gathering, our original plan was to feature a high-end cultural dance troupe to welcome our international guests and showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. But when budget constraints made this unfeasible, our chairman tasked me and a fellow committee member with finding a capable Baptist choir instead.
After some thought, I suggested reaching out to my own church choir—New Nations Choir. Despite our modest setting, I believed in the talent and spirit of our team. The chairman gave his blessing.
I immediately set to work—revisiting my old composition notes last used at First Baptist Church, Idikan, Ibadan back in 2008. The melodies, lyrics, and rhythm came rushing back as if they’d just been waiting for the right moment. The result was the original welcome song titled “Ekaabo.”
I shared the song with our Choir Director, Christus Oladapo, and our Music Minister, Rev. David Adeyemo. Although I was deeply involved in planning the event and couldn’t rehearse with the team, the choir rose to the occasion and brought the composition to life—adding their own creative brilliance.
When our sub-committee chairman attended the final rehearsal, he was more than impressed. And when the choir finally performed “Ekaabo” on the main stage of the BWA Annual Gathering, the impact was immediate and unforgettable. The performance became the highlight of the evening, sparking conversations and drawing praise from across the Baptist community. Our Senior Pastor, Rev. Samson Abimbola, even received multiple phone calls celebrating the choir’s performance.
Fast Forward to June 2025
The Baptist World Congress—the largest global Baptist gathering, held once every five years—is currently taking place in Brisbane, Australia. And just days ago, I received a remarkable message from a BWA representative: they were requesting that the New Nations Choir record and send in the same welcome song, “Ekaabo”, for use at this year’s Congress.
Without delay, I reached out to our Music Minister, who beautifully re-arranged the song to reflect its new cultural context and destination. Since our own church building is still under construction, we reached out to Yaba Baptist Church, who graciously offered their facilities for the recording.
The entire project was a collaborative effort—coordinated by our Pastor, Rev. Samson Abimbola, and supported by the media teams of both NNBC and Yaba Baptist Church. The production was also generously funded by the BWA.
This week, “Ekaabo” was once again rendered—this time in Brisbane, Australia—putting New Nations Choir and New Nations Baptist Church once again on the global map.
From GRA to the Globe
This journey is proof that great things still come out of small places. What began as a stopgap idea for a budget-constrained event became a worldwide testimony of grace, talent, and divine timing.
To God be the glory!
Written By Tope Akinola