Kemi Alao-Akala: 22 years of keeping covenant with God
On Good Friday, April 3, 2026, the ancient city of Ibadan stood still with a different kind of rhythm: not the usual political drumbeat or commercial hustle, but the unmistakable sound of grateful hearts lifted in unreserved worship. For the 22nd year, Chief Mrs Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, former First Lady of Oyo State, convened the annual ‘Unlimited Praise’ programme, a gathering that has quietly grown from a personal vow into one of the most anticipated spiritual landmarks in the region.
This year’s edition, themed “Worship His Majesty”, captured the very essence of the origin of the event. In 2005, after years of waiting on the Lord for the fruit of the womb, Mrs Alao-Akala made a solemn covenant: if God showed her mercy, she would gather His people every year to return pure, undiluted praise. That mercy came, and she bore her golden son, Olamikunle Alao-Akala. And ever since, she has kept the covenant without fail. What began as a modest thanksgiving service in a private residence has now become a prophetic meeting point for thousands who believe that praise is not merely an expression but a weapon, a doorway, and a divine exchange.
The atmosphere at the Dome, the venue of this year’s edition, was electric from the opening prayer. The programme was graced by God’s own ambassadors, Pastor Austin Ologbese, the Lead Pastor of Breakforth Church as well as Senior Prophet G.F. David of Faith and Miracle International Church, Bishop Henry Praise of the Sought Out Ministry and other elders in the body of Christ. This set the tone with powerful ministrations that reminded the congregation of the sovereignty of the God who “makes the barren rejoice”. Pastor Austin Ologbese’s sermon, entitled “Where Did They Put Him?”, was a fresh dew directly from the throne room of heaven. The words carried the weight of seasoned watchmen, urging the crowd to look inwardly to find the risen King, the Lord Jesus Christ. The message took the direction of the resurrection, hopeful realisation, and rekindling of the brethren’s spirit to look beyond present circumstances into the realm where praise rewrites destinies.
But it was the music ministers who truly lifted the roof. The praise worship by the Tabernacle of Praise (Top Choir) of Breakforth Church and the True Worshippers Choir all the way from Ogbomoso opened with a soul-stirring rendition. Their harmonious layers created an instant portal of worship. This was followed by the spellbinding performance by Bam T. Dancers, a group of children raised to use their choreography skills to worship God. Delight Omotosho, a young yet incredibly gifted saxophonist known for his anointed delivery and prophetic flow, took the audience to new heights of praise. Mista Olamilekan, whose voice has become a staple at major gospel events across the country, delivered a stirring ministration that had many throw away their burdens and wipe their tears. He closed the musical session with a spontaneous flow in the Spirit that left the entire hall on its feet, hands raised, some dancing, others on their knees.
Throughout the programme, the former First Lady moved among the people with the quiet grace that has become her trademark. Dressed in a simple attire, Chief (Mrs) Alao-Akala did not seek the spotlight; rather, she directed every eye and every heart towards the One she calls “the Emperor of the Universe”.
In her brief remarks, Mrs Alao-Akala reminded the gathering that praise is the highest currency that heaven recognises. “In 2005 (the 1st Edition of Unlimited Praise), I stood before God with empty hands and a barren womb,” she said, her voice steady with emotion. “Today I stand with children, with peace, with purpose, and with a testimony that He is still the God who answers by fire. This is not my programme; it is His. I am only the convener of what He started.”
For many in attendance, the event was more than a concert – it was a rendezvous with destiny. Testimonies poured in during the sharing segment: women who had waited for years now cradling babies; businesses revived after prolonged stagnation; and young people who received clear direction for their future. The programme has, over the years, earned a reputation as a “meeting point of the believing”, where ordinary men and women encounter the extraordinary power of focused praise.
As the final benediction was pronounced and the last note of worship faded into the evening air, one thing was clear: Chief Mrs Oluwakemi Alao-Akala has built far more than an annual event. She has cultivated a living altar of gratitude that continues to draw the hungry, the hopeful, and the faithful from every corner of the nation.
In an age where many chase relevance through noise and controversy, this annual gathering stands as a quiet yet powerful reminder that true influence flows from intimacy with the Almighty. Twenty-two years on, the Unlimited Praise programme is not slowing down; if anything, it is only gathering greater momentum, proving once again that when a woman keeps covenant with God, heaven keeps covenant with her – and with all who choose to join her in the offering of praise.