LAGOS: The annual internationally acclimed music and Choirs training conference, popularly known as “Equipped Music and Choir Conference” is marking its 16th anniversary with a bold vision to revive the dying core Church worship value of Choir hymnal in Churches and Ministries worldwide.
The organizers stated that they are strategically ready to host a first-rated conference and workshop focused on the training of Choirs, Music Ministers, instruments and sound engineers worldwide with globally updated knowledge, skills and information to excellently upgrade the musical ministrations and performances of its participants in their local assembly and beyond with the sole objective of rebuilding hymnal Choir ministrations in worship of God in the body of Christ.
They announced in a press statement that they will empower and inspire their attendees to greater heights success in the music ministry and exceptional Church ministrations. Our participants will be priviledge to be equipped, learn, unlearn, and be imparted by globally renowned choir icons and World-class music directors, the statement stated. According to them, these includes distinguished team of facilitators such as: Prospa Ochimana (Ekwueme fame), Lawrence De Covenant, USA, Dr Faith Ajiboye, the convener, Canada-based, Samsong, also Canada based, Professor Sheyi Kenny (the Daystar Music Director, and UNILAG music don), Lagos, Nigeria, and Pastor Raphael Olatunji, (RCCG, Praise Tean global Pastor).
The conference is billed for Saturday, July 18th, 2026, between 2pm and 5pm (WAT). Its a totally a global virtual meeting. This year’s theme is: “The Hymnal Choir”, which the facilitators strongly believe should be revived urgently for impactful worship in our Churches today.
Speaking in an interview from his Canadian based, Dr. Faith Ajiboye, the convener of the Conference, stated that Choirs and music ministers around the world will gather online for Equip season 16: a time of training, re-training, and re-strategizing for greater excellence in music ministry.
He noted that they will be professionally equipped by some of the finest voices and leaders in Church and Gospel music, I will like plead with all concerned to strive not to miss this powerful encounter and which he assured them will end up transforming them and equipped them better for global exploits.
Throw light on the theme of this year’s Equip’16, Dr. Ajiboye, who is a multiple awards winning music minister and teacher, said that the theme “The Hymnal Choir”, is targeted to see the revival and restoration of hymnal singing throughout the Body of Christ.
“For generations, hymns have been a treasured part of the Christian faith. Rich in biblical truth, sound doctrine, and heartfelt worship, they have strengthened believers, nurtured spiritual growth, and passed the faith from one generation to the next. These timeless songs have shaped Christian worship for centuries, reminding God’s people of His character, His promises, and His redeeming grace.
“Sadly, many Churches today have moved away from this rich heritage. While contemporary worship has its place, countless congregations no longer sing or teach the great hymns of the faith. As a result, many believers are unfamiliar with the profound biblical truths and enduring testimonies these hymns contain”, he lamented.
Continuing, Dr. Ajiboye, stressed that our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, sang hymns with His disciples before going to the cross (Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26), demonstrating that singing praises to God has always been an essential expression of worship and faith.
It is my heartfelt desire and prayer that hymnal singing will once again take its rightful place in the worship life of the Church. May these powerful songs be rediscovered, taught, and sung across denominations and nations, inspiring believers to worship God with greater depth, understanding, and reverence.
The Scripture reminds us that singing is not merely a tradition. It is a divine expression of worship and a means by which the Word of God is planted deeply within our hearts.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16
Through Equip ’16, we seek to preserve this sacred heritage, equip the Church with the treasures of hymnody, and contribute to a global movement that revives the singing of biblically rich hymns for the glory of God and the strengthening of His people”, he elaborated.
