The Rev. Allen Angus Memorial Hall, Igbobi College, Yaba (ICY), resonated with the warmth and spirit of tradition on Sunday, December 14, 2025, as the school hosted its annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. The event, a cherished hallmark of ICY’s heritage, once again showcased the discipline, talent, and devotion of the ICY all boys Choir, whose timeless harmonies filled the auditorium and lifted the hearts of all in attendance. The event, renowned for its depth, dignity and musical excellence, lived up to its reputation as a true masterpiece of sacred songs, while also marking a significant moment of transition in the life of the school.

From the opening procession to the final benediction, the ICY Choir delivered a moving and sonorous performance that held the audience spellbound. The blend of traditional carols and scriptural readings not only evoked the essence of the Christmas season but also reflected the discipline, heritage and spiritual foundation for which Igbobi College is widely known.

The Carol Service, organised by the 1973–1977/79 and 1997 sets of the Igbobi College Old Boys’ Association (ICOBA),  attracted a distinguished audience that included representatives of the Anglican and Methodist supervising missions, members of the ICY Board of Governors (BOG), ICOBA members from across generations, school management and staff, parents, students and friends of the College.

Adding to the significance of the occasion was the esteemed presence of Rt. Rev. S. T. V. Adegbite, Bishop of the Ikeja Diocese of the Methodist Church Nigeria, and current Chaplain of Aso Rock, whose presence lent further spiritual depth and institutional gravitas to the celebration. His attendance, alongside that of the ICOBA President, Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Mrs.Morin Desalu – Deputy Chairman (BOG), Mr. Foluso Phillips, immediate past BOG Chair who has been elevated to serve on the Supervisory Board of the College and other members of the Board of Governors, underscored the strong alignment between the College’s leadership, alumni body and faith-based foundations.

In short statement while appreciating all that graced the occasion, Bishop Adegbite harped on the need to have hope, noting that that peace will prevail in Nigeria.

“The message I bring is the message of hope, the message of peace that Nigeria will not disintegrate. Nigeria will remain one, so fear not because God is with us. Emmanuel is with us. He will guide us.
……God will see us through, and we shall enter 2026 with His grace….”, he said, among others.

Meanwhile, beyond the music, the 2025 Carol Service provided an opportunity to celebrate institutional continuity and renewal. A major highlight of the occasion was the formal recognition of Revd. Kolade Philips Ilori as the new Chaplain of the ICY Chapel, alongside the announcement of Venerable Joseph Oyewale Adediji as the new Principal of Igbobi College. He takes over from Revd Adedotun Akanbi who had successfully completed the maximum five years tenure as ICY Principal. Ven. Adediji brings with him, several years of experience in the education sector, including proximate experience of serving as Principal of Anglican Comprehensive High School, Ipaja, Lagos.

The success of the ICY Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols once again highlighted the enduring leadership and artistic direction of Mr. Tunji Ogunnoiki, under whose coordination the Carol Service has remained a masterpiece over the years. His attention to detail, musical discipline and deep understanding of the ICY choral tradition continue to sustain the event’s high standards and spiritual impact.

The peak of the event was the candlelight session, when all felicitated and danced while the ICY choir sang historic Christmas songs amidst celebration—re-enacting the living testament to ICY’s legacy, faith, and community spirit.

Indeed, the ICY festival of Nine Lessons and Carols continues to be a masterpiece, a ritual of song and devotion that binds generations together, reminding all that while leadership may change, the melody of excellence and tradition endures.

>>>> Story @Sanmi Falobi; supporting pix @ Emmanuel Ekundayo <<<<