Veteran gospel musician, Evangelist Funmi Aragbaye, has received the nod of the gospel musicians in the country to continue with the leadership of Gospel Music Association of Nigeria (GOMAN) as the president of the body for another three years.
This development was the outcome of the election into national executive offices of the association, held at Ibara Baptist Church, Abeokuta, Ogun State, last Thursday.
The election, which also featured the national congress and end of term thanksgiving, was graced by gospel ministers across the country.
A veteran gospel musician, Reverend Idowu Animasahun, who represented one of the leaders of the association, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, said it was time all gospel ministers realised that gospel music is a calling and not a profession.
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“So, it is paramount for every gospel musicians to discharge their responsibilities with the fear of God, as well as live exemplary lifestyles. Genuine unity and love are the main things that will make the association grow and flourish. So, it is essential for all gospel ministers to love one another and make the association united,” he said.
Highpoint of the gathering of the gospel musicians was the election of the new executives. Those elected were Arowolo Flourish Olajesu, Treasurer; Paul Ayodele, Vice-President North; Adeniyi Stella Ajayi, Prayer Coordinator; Bankole Olubunmi, Public Relations Officer; Tunde Ayodele, Welfare and Gboyega Babayeju, general secretary, among others.
But the there was tension over the positions of the president and the vice president in the South-West of the association. The contest for the president was between Aragbaye and Evangelist Olayiwola Phillips, while that of the vice- president was between Oluwatunbi Folorunso and Apostle Segun Phillips.
At the end of the exercise, Aragbaye emerged winner with 55 votes, while Phillips had 43 votes. Folorunso also won with 56 votes beating Phillips who had 39 votes.
Former president of the association, Evangelist Timi Orokoya, also lauded the organisers of the election in ensuring a free and fair exercise, while he also congratulated the new executive and urged the leadership to foster unity