Another edition of the ‘life-changing’ gospel concert, Symphony of Praise (SOP 07) was held on July 22, 2007 at The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Victory House, 24 Road Festac Town.
With the year’s theme ‘GOD. GREAT GOD’, and the special focus on the ‘Displaced in the Society’.
The president of the SOP Team at that time, Mr. Emmanuel Efunwoye explained, “Destitution has a great impact on the community and we cannot continue to ignore these people; they are our responsibility until they are empowered. Sometimes it is not due to laziness on their part, but extreme difficulties and challenges in life that have made them incapable of helping themselves.”
According to the Programme Director in 2007, Mr. Amos Omodunni, “Nigeria is a land flowing with milk and honey, we enjoy the sight of beautifully built houses yet many don’t have a roof over their heads. So this year’s edition is taking on a new light as it is a benefit concert, what we hope to achieve is the positive development of lives.”
Who are the ‘displaced in the society’? “We see them as human resource wasting away under bridges, in abandoned buildings, those roaming the streets in tattered clothes. Those whom Nigerians call ‘touts’, ‘area boys’, ‘beggars’ etc.” Efunwoye answered.
The plan for the goal’s achievement was divided into three stages, The QUICK-FIX, MID-TERM, and the LONG-TERM Plan. At the end of each stage, absorbed beneficiaries from the streets were released back to rejoin the society, as better people empowered economically and financially. People ready to continue the reform process of lives to improve our nation”, Omodunni explained.