Sounds of Christmas in Nigeria

NICK EICHER, HOST: Today is Wednesday, December 23rd. Thank you for turning to WORLD Radio to help start your day. 

Good morning. I’m Nick Eicher.

MARY REICHARD, HOST: And I’m Mary Reichard. Coming next on The World and Everything in It: Christmas around the world.

Yesterday we heard the sounds of the season from Taipei, Taiwan. Today we travel nearly 4,000 miles south west to Abuja, Nigeria—where Christmas may not include snow, but many traditions are still familiar. WORLD correspondent Onize Ohikere is our guide.

AUDIO: [CHRISTMAS MUSIC AND SOUNDS FROM SHOP]

Nigerians mark celebrations with music, family gatherings, and colorful outfits. Christmas is no different.

Shops string up colorful lights, green and red decorations, and play music in the background. Several churches join in with Christmas carols and Nativity plays. Nigeria is nearly evenly split between Christians and Muslims.

AUDIO: [CHURCH DRAMA, MUSIC FROM SUNDAY SERVICE]

On the last Sunday before Christmas, several people wearing masks spread out across the chairs inside Family Worship Center, a church in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city. Others watch online. The two morning services feature a Christmas presentation, with the choir leading the program.

Here they sing versions of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and “Angels we have heard on High.” 

AUDIO: [CHOIR SINGING]

Reporting for WORLD, I’m Onize Ohikere in Abuja, Nigeria.

Merry Christmas.

(Photo/iStock)

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