LAGOS: It was a night Lagos will not forget in a hurry.As darkness settled over the city on Friday night, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), located in the very heart of Lagos, came alive once again as hundreds of thousands of worshippers gathered for The Experience @20, the landmark 20th anniversary edition of the world’s largest gospel concert, themed Jesus United.
The historic worship gathering, convened by Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Metropolitan and Senior Pastor of House on The Rock Church, marked two powerful decades of lifting the name of Jesus above ethnicity, denomination, politics, and borders. From the first note to the final prayer at dawn, the atmosphere was charged with worship, unity, gratitude, and deep intercession.
What unfolded at TBS was far more than a concert. It was a spiritual convergence where praise flowed freely and unbroken. Waves of worship swept through the massive crowd as voices rose in unison under the open heavens.
From energetic praise sessions to quiet, soul-searching moments of soaking worship, the night carried a deep sense of God’s presence.
Young and old, families, first-timers and long-time attendees all stood side by side, united not by background or status, but by faith. Hands were lifted, eyes closed, tears streamed, and hearts were opened in what many described as a deeply personal encounter with God.
One of the most defining moments of the night was the intense session of intercessory prayers offered for Nigeria.
Prayers were lifted for peace, unity, leadership wisdom, Nigerian Christians, and citizens grappling with the nation’s challenging economic realities.
Intercessions also focused on the poor, the unemployed, struggling families, and businesses, with speakers calling on God for mercy, restoration and divine intervention.
As midnight passed, prayers transitioned into prophetic declarations over the year 2026, as worshippers spoke life, hope and clarity into the future.
Several notable Christian leaders were present, including Pastor Poju Oyemade and his wife, Pastor Wale Oke, and many other respected ministers, all worshipping freely among the people.
The hosts, Pastor Paul Adefarasin and Pastor (Mrs.) Ifeanyi Adefarasin, drew warm reactions as they danced joyfully, visibly grateful to God for sustaining the vision for 20 years.
Their expressions of thanksgiving became one of the most touching moments of the night, symbolizing faithfulness, humility, and obedience to divine calling.
The night featured a powerful lineup of gospel ministers from Nigeria and across the world, including Mike Aremu, Gaise Baba, Frank Edwards, Sinach, Mercy Chinwo, and several other local and international worship leaders who led the crowd in passionate praise and heartfelt worship.
Each ministrations blended seamlessly into the next, creating an uninterrupted flow that kept the atmosphere spiritually charged till morning.
One of the most talked-about highlights came when popular comedian Akpororo appeared on stage not to crack jokes, but to perform, praise, dance and celebrate God.
Dressed on traditional Delta attire, Akpororo led the crowd into joyful praise using popular Urhobo gospel songs, drawing loud cheers and spontaneous dancing across the square.
It was a defining reminder that worship is not about expression alone, but about surrender and thanksgiving.
Despite the massive turnout, the event remained peaceful and orderly. Security agencies, emergency responders, volunteers and medical teams were strategically positioned, ensuring safety, crowd control and swift response throughout the night.
Worshippers moved freely and confidently, allowing full focus on the spiritual experience.
As the early morning sun rose over Lagos on Saturday, worship softened into songs of gratitude. Many worshippers lingered, unwilling to leave, soaking in the moment and reflecting on the night’s impact.
With tired bodies but renewed spirits, thousands departed TBS carrying fresh hope, strengthened faith and a shared declaration that echoed throughout the city and far beyond:
Twenty years on, The Experience remains more than an event. It is a movement, a testimony, and a reminder that worship has the power to unite nations, heal hearts, and restore hope one night at a time.
