By Efe Onodjae
The organisers of Extravagant Praise 2026 have said no fewer than 5,000 worshippers are expected at this year’s annual gospel concert, which will focus on thanksgiving, Christian unity and soul-winning. The event will hold at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos, on August 14.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lagos, the Chief Host, Rev. Fr. Alexius Agba, OP, represented by Rev. Fr. Raphael Amen, OP, described the concert as a “channel of grace” designed to unite Christians across denominations through music and worship.
According to him, the concert provides a platform for discovering and nurturing young talents while using music as an instrument for evangelism and the salvation of souls.
Fr. Amen noted that the initiative welcomes Catholics, Christians from other denominations and even non-Christians, stressing that sacred music has the power to draw people closer to God.
“The programme is ecumenical in nature and aimed at transforming lives beyond the Catholic Church.
“The programme is a medium of preaching, building people who will also go out to build others,” Fr. Amen said.
Speaking on preparations, the Concert Executive Director, Dr. Peter Egbumokei, said the event is privately funded and planned as a major project requiring months of preparation, fundraising and logistics.
He explained that the organisers deliberately select ministers whose messages align with the spiritual vision of the concert rather than focusing on popularity.
He added that this year’s theme, “Love Letter of Thanksgiving to God,” reflects the desire to inspire sincere worship rooted in gratitude and the liturgical tradition of the Church, stressing that it also embraces traditional cultural music.
Egbumokei said lessons learnt from previous editions, including power disruptions, stage safety challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, had shaped preparations for this year’s event.
He disclosed that the organisers had strengthened safety measures in collaboration with relevant security agencies while also paying attention to environmental concerns and the impact of the event on neighbouring residents.
He added that the concert would be streamed live on YouTube and other digital platforms through partnerships with media organisations, enabling audiences across Nigeria and abroad to participate.
Speaking on partnerships, Egbumokei described the initiative as “a collective effort and an intersection of vision through selfless service.”
Egbumokei explained that the concert, billed to begin at 8 p.m. and continue until dawn, will feature gospel ministers and other worship leaders.
According to him, “We are not putting up performances; we are ministering. Our focus is not on personalities but on God.
“It’s a chapter of thanksgiving. The Extravagant Praise Concert will bring together Catholics, Protestants, Anglicans, members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and Christians from different denominations, inviting the whole world to join us in lifting our voices in worship and thanksgiving to God.
“We are expecting between 3,000 and 5,000 participants. The event is an opportunity for spiritual renewal rather than entertainment.
“The vision is to build faith, encourage thanksgiving and bring people into a deeper relationship with God. We are careful not to be driven by popular culture but by our Christian mandate,” Egbumokei said.
