Effurun, Delta State, is set to host thousands of worshippers and gospel music lovers as the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Champions Cathedral, Region 70, prepares for the ninth edition of its annual Festival of Champions from November 18 to 20, 2026, under the theme, “New Song.”
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The three-day gathering will feature the RCCG General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, alongside leading Nigerian and international gospel ministers, including Nathaniel Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Mercy Chinwo, Moses Bliss, Chioma Jesus and South Africa’s Joyous Celebration. Organisers have announced free entry, with activities scheduled at two venues in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
Key Highlights
- Festival of Champions 09 holds from November 18 to 20, 2026.
- Theme: New Song.
- Pastor E.A. Adeboye and Pastor Emmanuel Emefienim are listed as hosts.
- November 18 and 19 programmes begin at 3:00 p.m. at RCCG Champions Cathedral Family, Airport Road, Effurun.
- The grand finale holds on November 20 at Urhobo College Field, Effurun-Sapele Road, from 6:00 p.m.
- Admission is free.
- Worshippers are advised to plan their journeys ahead and watch for official traffic and security updates.
Festival of Champions 09: What to Expect
Organised by RCCG Champions Cathedral, Region 70, the annual festival brings together worshippers for praise, worship, prayer and the teaching of God’s Word.
This year’s theme, “New Song,” centres on thanksgiving, renewed praise and testimonies. Pastor Emmanuel Emefienim, Pastor in Charge of Region 70, said the gathering is designed to encourage sincere worship and invite participants to approach God with thankful hearts.
The programme will feature an extensive lineup of gospel music ministers and worship leaders from Nigeria and beyond.
Among the announced performers are Nathaniel Bassey, Muyiwa Olarewaju, Micah Stampley, Dunsin Oyekan, Mercy Chinwo, Chioma Jesus, Lawrence Oyor, Moses Bliss, Prinx Emmanuel, Sunmisola Okeleye, Beejay Sax, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Lilian Nneji and Bidemi Olaoba.
Other scheduled ministers include Mr M & Revelation, Bukola Bekes, Chinyere Udoma, Greatman Takit, Sounds of Salem and Tope Praise. South Africa’s Joyous Celebration and the Region 70 Mass Choir are also expected to minister.
The preaching and teaching sessions will feature Pastor J.F. Odesola, Pastor K.K. Ndukwe, Apostle Michael Orokpo, Pastor Daniel Olawande and Pastor Dolapo Lawal.
Dates, Venues and Programme Times
The festival will take place across two locations in Effurun.
Wednesday, November 18, and Thursday, November 19
- Venue: RCCG Champions Cathedral Family
- Address: 16–18 Airport Road, Old Airport, Effurun
- Starting time: 3:00 p.m. daily
Friday, November 20 – Grand Finale
- Venue: Urhobo College Field
- Location: Effurun-Sapele Road, Effurun
- Starting time: 6:00 p.m.
The change of venue for the grand finale is important for worshippers planning to attend. Those travelling to the event should confirm the venue for each day before setting out.
Traffic Advisory: What Motorists and Residents Should Expect
The festival is expected to attract worshippers from different parts of Delta State and neighbouring communities. The concentration of attendees around Airport Road on November 18 and 19, followed by the grand finale at Urhobo College Field on November 20, could increase traffic around the event locations.
Motorists, commercial transport operators and residents around Effurun should therefore plan for possible delays, particularly during the hours leading up to the programme and as attendees leave after each session.
Residents and visitors are advised to:
- Leave early to allow sufficient time for travel and parking.
- Check their routes before travelling, especially on the days of the main programmes.
- Avoid unnecessary stopping or parking around access roads and event entrances.
- Follow instructions from traffic officers and event marshals.
- Use only designated parking areas once organisers announce them.
- Make arrangements for returning home, particularly after the evening grand finale.
There is no confirmed announcement in the available event information of specific road closures, diversions or restricted routes. Motorists should not assume that any particular road will be closed unless the Delta State Police Command, FRSC or relevant traffic authorities issue an official advisory.
Security Advisory: Worshippers Urged to Stay Alert
With a large gathering expected, security and crowd management will be important throughout the three days.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, cooperate with security personnel and follow instructions at the entrances and within the event grounds.
Worshippers should keep personal belongings secure, avoid carrying unnecessary valuables and agree on meeting points with family members or friends in case they become separated.
Parents and guardians attending with children should keep them within sight and ensure they have a reliable way of contacting one another.
Anyone who notices suspicious activity or a security concern should promptly alert the nearest security officer or event marshal rather than attempting to handle the situation personally.
The organisers and relevant security agencies should provide further information on entry arrangements, parking, crowd control and emergency contacts as the event approaches.
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How to Watch Festival of Champions 09 Online
For people who cannot travel to Effurun, the organisers have announced live broadcast options.
The festival is expected to be available through:
- RCCG Champions Cathedral YouTube channel.
- RCCG Champions Cathedral Facebook page.
- RCCG Champions Cathedral Instagram page.
- DStv Channel 198.
- GOtv Channel 29.
- Dove TV.
- RTM.
Worshippers outside Delta State and Nigerians in the diaspora can therefore follow the programme through the announced broadcast platforms.
A Festival With a Growing History
Festival of Champions is an annual gathering organised by RCCG Champions Cathedral in Effurun.
The previous edition, the eighth Festival of Champions, was held in November 2025 under the theme “Joyful Noise” and featured gospel ministers including Nathaniel Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan and Micah Stampley.
The 2026 edition continues the tradition with a wider announced lineup and the theme “New Song.”
What Attendees Should Know Before Travelling
With free admission and a programme spanning three days, Festival of Champions 09 is expected to draw worshippers from across the Niger Delta and other parts of the country.
Those planning to attend should take note of the different venues and starting times, arrange transportation ahead of the programme and monitor official announcements for any changes.
The most important traffic and security information to watch for in the days immediately before November 18 includes possible traffic diversions, designated parking locations, access arrangements and emergency contact details.
As Effurun prepares to host the gathering, organisers have invited members of the public and the media to participate in the three-day programme.
For worshippers, the message of this year’s festival is captured in its theme: “New Song” — an invitation to come with thankful hearts and celebrate through praise, worship and the Word of God.
For updates on traffic, venues and the festival lineup, follow us on X.
