Edo Assembly Holds 2025 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, Joy to the World.

The Hallowed Chambers of the Edo State House of Assembly came alive with radiant lights, music, and worship as the 8th Assembly hosted the 2025 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, themed “Joy to the World,” as part of activities marking the yuletide season.

The Speaker of the 8th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, Members of the House, and staff warmly received the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs Edesili Anani, and other distinguished guests at the solemn yet celebratory service.

The first lesson, taken from Genesis 1:1–6, was read by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, while the second lesson from Genesis 3:1–6 was read by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku. Other lessons were read in turns by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Osamwonyi Atu, the Majority Leader, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu, Hon. Donald Okogbe, the Head of Service, Barrister Anthony Okungbowa, and the wife of the Speaker, Mrs Omozele Agbebaku, who represented the First Lady, among others.

In his remarks, the Speaker urged all present to place their trust in God during the season and expressed appreciation to Members of the Assembly for their cooperation and unwavering support. He also encouraged staff to remain dedicated to their duties, reaffirming that staff welfare remains a top priority of his leadership.

Rt. Hon. Agbebaku further announced that the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to ensure the purchase of musical equipment for the EDHA Choir to enhance its performances.

Delivering a short exhortation titled “Thanking God Against All Odds,” the Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Hon. ODK Iruobe, called on attendees to cultivate a lifestyle of thanksgiving as evidence of God’s faithfulness and to extend love to one another during the festive period, emphasising that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Highlights of the event included the rendition of special songs by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; the EDHA Choir; and the LS CORA Choir, which filled the chambers with resounding praise.

Other dignitaries in attendance were the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Addeh Isibor; Hon. Maria Edeko; Hon. Osadolor Uzamere; Hon. Eugene; the Clerk of the House, Mr Omogbai Yahaya; and the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kasim Afegbua.

The ceremony concluded joyfully with collective singing and dancing by all present, bringing the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols to a memorable close.