The Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, has inaugurated the central organising committee for the 2026 Service of Nine Lessons and Christmas Carol in Abuja, reaffirming VON’s readiness to host the annual inter-agency celebration.
The Service of Nine Lessons and Christmas Carol is an annual Christmas tradition jointly organised by Nigeria’s major public broadcasters: the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Voice of Nigeria (VON).
Ndace, represented by VON Deputy Director of Human Resources, Mrs Angela Unogu, inaugurated the committee at VON headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Unogu said the Director-General remained committed to supporting the committee and ensuring a successful event.
“I am here in the capacity of the DG to inform you that he is with this committee in spirit and in the planning,” she said.
She added that the event was important to Ndace and that he expected to receive updates on arrangements required for its success.
The committee chairman, Mr Chika Eze, who is also the VON Team Leader, outlined plans for the 2026 Christmas Carol.
Eze appreciated participating agencies, corporate organisations and other Nigerians for their continued support of the event.
He said the celebration commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ through the traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Christmas Carols.
“The essence is about Christ, and what he represents,” Eze said, adding that the event would promote values including love, peace, unity, salvation and generosity.
He said the organisers would also use the Christmas Carol as a national event to encourage Nigerians and promote unity.
Eze expressed appreciation to VON management and participating sister organisations for their support towards the 2026 celebration.
Representatives of the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria also reaffirmed their commitment to the initiative.
They described Christmas as an important celebration because of the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ.
The representatives commended the VON Director-General and the organising committee for their preparations.
They also expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver a successful 2026 Christmas Carol.
Other committee members from FRCN and NTA pledged to work with the chairman and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the event.
The inauguration formally begins VON’s preparations to host the 2026 Service of Nine Lessons and Christmas Carol, with participating public broadcasters expected to support the planning and execution of the annual celebration.
