Foremost American Gospel singer, Donnie McClurkin, and the General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, are expected to grace Akwa Ibom 2015 Christmas Carol festival.

Other international singers expected at the festival billed for Dec. 19 included Angela Christie, Shirley Caesar and the National Choir of Barbados.

The permanent secretary, special services department, Aniekpeno Mkpanang, who is in charge of organising the event, disclosed this to newsmen in Uyo on Friday.

Mr. Mkpanang said Nigerian singers that would thrill the audience included Lara George, Chinelo De limono, I. T. Denis and David Eka.

“Arrangements have been concluded for hitch-free carols with more than 15,000 spectators expected at the Uyo township stadium, venue of the event,” Mr. Mkpanang said.

Mr. Mkpanang added that the exhortation would be delivered by the General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo.

The permanent secretary said this year’s festival was jointly sponsored by the state government and some corporate organisations.

He expressed gratitude to Globacom, United Bank for Africa, Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort and Hensek for their support.

Mr. Mkpanang said the Uyo township stadium, venue of the event, was wearing a new look in readiness for the hosting of the event.

The youths and sports commissioner, Monday Uko, told NAN that mobile conveniences, changing rooms and relaxation rooms had been provided to make the event successful.

Mr. Uko commended the governor for using the opportunity of hosting the Carol to address the needs of the Uyo Township stadium.

He said the choice of Uyo Township Stadium instead of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium was to allow for free entry and exit.

Akwa Ibom Annual Xmas carol 2014 entered the Guinness Book of Records, when more than 25,000 choristers participated in the event.

(NAN)