An industrialist, Mr Godwin Ezeemo, has advocated for localisation of industries in order to fast-track rural development, as well as decongest cities.
Ezeemo, who made the call at the auditioning of choral groups selected to participate for December 20, 2019 Carol of Nine Lessons organised by his firm, Honeywell Hotel LTD, argued that concentrating business investments, entertainment and events at the cities deny rural dwellers access to development and other inherent opportunities.
He said it was based on the reason he chose to site some of his firms including the hotel in his country-home, Umuchu, Aguata LGA of Anambra state in order to brought succor closer to the populace who would have travelled abroad in search of greener pastures.
According to him, “If we all go to the city, it will be densely populated and that would pose a problem, while our localities remain undeveloped. So, I felt that this idea of organising a Christmas carol of this quality was a good way of evangelising Christ Jesus and as well providing a novel and enriching experience for our people who would have had to travel far to the cities to find a replica.”
Blueprint reports that the audition
which featured presentations from Angelic Voices from Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, Awka, Anambra Broadcasting Service Chorale group, Voce Angelica Chorale Group, Immanuel Church choir, Isuofia, Cathedral Church choir, Ekwulobia, and St Luke’s Church choir, Okpoko, was judged by a team of judges led by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Umezinwa, a musicologist from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Umezinwa, while appreciating the participants, charged choristers to be wary of watering down solemn Christian songs aimed at soul winning into mere entertainments.
Earlier, Chairman of the Honeywell Carol and Nine Lessons planning committee, Rotr. Joy Mbachi, expressed happiness over the success of the audition, assuring that the best among them would be duly invited to join in celebrating the birth of Christ at the forthcoming event.
