By Isaac Daniel
The convener of the annual internationally music and choirs training conference, popularly known as “Equipped Music and Choir Conference” Dr. Faith Ajiboye has said the 16th edition of the conference has been designed to revive the hymn culture in church worship.
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 today’s Church
Ajiboye said in a statement that participants will be updated with knowledge, skills and information that will enhance their music ministry and also make them explore the potential in hymns
“Our participants will be privileged to be equipped, learn, unlearn, and be imparted by globally renowned choir icons and World-class music directors” he said.
Resource persons
Apart from Dr Ajiboye who will speak at the conferences from his Canada base, other facilitators include Prospa Ochimana (Ekwueme fame), Lawrence De Covenant, USA, Samsong, Professor Sheyi Kenny (the Daystar Music Director, and UNILAG music don), Lagos, Nigeria, and Pastor Raphael Olatunji, (RCCG, Praise Tean global Pastor)
In a chat with our correspondent, Ajiboye stated that the online conference is a time of training, re-training, and re-strategizing for greater excellence in music ministry.
He assured that participants will be equipped by some of the finest voices and leaders in Church and Gospel music, “I will like to plead with all concerned to strive not to miss this conference. It’s a place for them to be equipped for global exploits.” He said.
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 in 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.
He stressed further 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.
