By Ayomide Otitoju
The Anambra State Government has announced plans to host the 2025 Onwa Dezemba Christmas Carol/Cankata today, December 20, at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, as part of activities marking the Christmas season in the state.
In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Christian Aburime, described the event as a major highlight of the Onwa Dezemba celebrations, designed to usher Ndi Anambra into the Christmas festivities with music, reflection and communal bonding.
According to Aburime, the carol service, scheduled to commence at 4 p.m., will feature choral performances from groups across the state, traditional Cankata rhythms, cultural dances and storytelling, blending classical Christmas carols with Igbo hymns to reflect the spirit and heritage of the people.
He said the event would serve as a moment for residents to pause from daily activities and reflect on the essence of Christmas, which centres on faith, gratitude, family and shared values. Aburime noted that the evening would provide an opportunity for families, friends and visitors returning from within and outside the country to reconnect in a festive and reflective atmosphere.
“The Onwa Dezemba Christmas Carol/Cankata is our prelude to Christmas Day, a time to come together as one people and remember what the season truly represents,” he said.
Aburime added that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has directed that adequate security and logistics be put in place to ensure a safe and orderly event for all attendees.
He encouraged Ndi Anambra and visitors to attend in their festive attire, participate actively in the singing and celebrations, and make the carol service a shared moment of thanksgiving for the year.
The Onwa Dezemba Christmas Carol/Cankata is expected to draw a large crowd and officially signal the countdown to Christmas celebrations across Anambra State.
