Music enthusiasts and choral groups across Nigeria are gearing up for the highly anticipated “Asiwaju of Remo Christians Choir Festival,” hosted and sponsored by Senator Gbenga Daniel. This year’s edition of the annual competition boasts a total prize money of N30 million, with the winning choir set to take home a grand prize of N5 million.

The festival, an initiative of the former Ogun State Governor and current Senator representing Ogun East, is slated to hold on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the Abraham Tabernacle Church in Sagamu, Ogun State.

Senator Daniel, who founded and has sponsored the event for the past 20 years, revealed that the total prize pool for the 2025 competition has been increased to N30 million, a significant jump from the N10 million offered in 2024. The first-place winner will receive N5 million, with other substantial prizes for the second (N3.5 million), third (N2.5 million), and subsequent positions. Even the 21 observing choirs will each go home with N500,000.

Addressing journalists in Lagos on Monday, Daniel underscored the festival’s deeper purpose beyond musical competition. Inspired by his own journey as a chorister and pianist in his youth, he aims to use the platform to promote spiritual and moral growth, particularly among the younger generation.

“My passion is how to support upcoming generations and change the psyche of our people using this festival,” Senator Daniel stated. He lamented the erosion of societal values, emphasizing the need to redirect youth from negative influences towards positive endeavors through the power of gospel music.

The 2025 festival will feature nine competing choirs, selected from various parts of the country after rigorous auditions, alongside the host choir and the defending champion who qualify automatically. An estimated 850 choristers are expected to participate in the event, which evaluates choirs based on musical precision, stage presence, diction, and audience appreciation.

What began as an annual family thanksgiving programme has evolved over the past four years into a highly competitive national event, drawing participants from across Nigeria and beyond. The festival continues to serve as a vital platform for talent discovery, spiritual upliftment, and community engagement, reinforcing Senator Daniel’s commitment to youth development and moral reorientation through music.