SAGS: AN EXPERIENCE OF THE ALL NIGERIA MAJOR SEMINARIES' FESTIVAL OF ART AND CULTURE
February 22, 2025
Reported by Paul Oluwafemi OGUNTEGBE
St. Albert the Great Major Seminary participated in the 6th edition of the All Nigeria Major Seminaries Festival of Arts and Culture (ANMSFAC), tagged 'UHIELE 2025,' held at Seminary of All Saints, Uhielc-Ekpoma, Edo State, from February 18-22, 2025.
The five-days festival brought together approximately 560 Seminarians from 14 Major Seminaries across Nigeria: SS. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, Seminary of All Saints, Uhiele-Ekpoma, Blessed Tansi Major Seminary, Onitsha, Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, Pope John Paul II Major Seminary, Okpuno, Missionary Seminary of St. Paul, Gwagwalada, Abuja,The Claritian Institute of Philosophy, Maryland Nekede, Good Shepherd Major Seminary, Kaduna, Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri, Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Umuahia, St. Augustine Major Seminary, Jos, St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Makurdi, and St. Joseph Major Seminary, Ikot-Ekpene. The theme of the festival was: "OUR CULTURE, OUR FAITH, OUR HOPE." The festival featured competitions in art, drama, and liturgical music, with set piece composed by Vincent Ihaza and original compositions from each Seminary.
The contingent of St. Albert the Great Major Seminary ably led by the Director of Arts and Culture, Rev. Fr. Francis Fabidun, arrived safely at the venue at about 6 p.m. on Tuesday the 18th. During his welcome address after evening prayer, the Director of Arts and Culture of the Seminary of All Saints, Uhiele-Ekpoma Rev. Fr. Vincent Bamisaye Ojo, expressed his joy, on behalf of the host Seminary, for journey mercies for all contingents from various Seminaries. Similarly, the Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, who presided over the opening Mass on Wednesday the19th, expressed his joy for the safety of all present. He charged all to maintain brotherly love and uphold their respective cultures as various competitions unfolded. The opening Mass was followed by an opening ceremony which was anchored by a Theology II Seminarian of St Albert the Great Major Seminary, Mr. Onoirorokarevu Theophilus. It featured, amongst other things, a cultural parade, where the contingent of St. Albert the Great Major Seminary, displayed the beauty of Eyo, a traditional masquerade that showcases the culture and heritage of the city of Lagos.
It is worthy of note that, St Albert the Great Major Seminary, although, being by far the youngest Seminary present at the festival, put up "a good fight" competing with the other Seminaries. St Albert Seminary, put up highly spirited performances in the various presentations especially in Drama category, where it took the 4th position. The drama entitled "The People Loved by God" was written and directed by a Theology III seminarian, Mr. Adegoke Vincent. Other presentations include: Artwork by a Theology I seminarian, Mr. Akonte Stephen and Liturgical Music by the Seminary contingent.
After the final compilation of results from the three categories of competition: Drama, Art and Liturgical Music, the overall 1st position went to Missionary Seminary of St. Paul, Gwagwalada, Abuja, for winning Gold in Liturgical Music and Silver in Drama. The overall 2nd position went to the host Seminary, Seminary of All Saints, Ukiele-Ekpoma, with Gold in Drama and Bronze in Art. St. Joseph, Ikot-Ekpene, took the overall 3rd position with Gold in Art. Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, took the overall 4th position with Silvers in art and music . Two Seminaries, Claretian Institute of Philosophy, Maryland, Nekede and Good Shepherd Seminary, Kaduna, tied for the overall 5th position winning Bronze in Drama and in Liturgical Music respectively. St Albert the Great Seminary took the overall 9th position.
During his words of appreciation, the Rector of the host Seminary. Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Matthew Ovabor Ihensekhien, expressed his gratitude to the proprietors of the Seminaries: the Cardinals. Archbishops, Bishops, and also to the Rectors and Directors of Arts and Culture of the various Seminaries, as well as all the contingents for their cooperation and contributions towards the success of the Festival. He announced that the next event will be the All Seminaries' Games to be hosted by Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu in 2026.
While receiving and welcoming the contingent back to the Seminary, the Vice Rector of St Albert the Great Seminary, Rev. Fr. Peter Egbe, on behalf of the Rector and the other Formators, expressed his thankfulness to God for journey mercies and successful participation at the event. He also expressed appreciation to Rev. Fr. Francis Fabidun, the Director of Arts and Culture, and the contingent for representing the Seminary at the event and for a job well done. He called on the contingent to use the lessons learnt from their experience of the festival to improve themselves in all the areas of formation.