As The Experience Turns 20, Adefarasin Calls For National Unity

Pastor Paul Adefarasin,, The Metropolitan of All House On The Rock has urged Nigerians to embrace unity as a divine imperative and a pathway to the nation’s extraordinary potential.

Adefarasin, while addressing newsmen on the landmark 20th edition of The Experience gospel concert in Lagos, reflected on how The Experience evolved from a single night of music in 2006 into what he described as a “global movement.”

He painted a vivid picture of the concert’s packed grounds as a living testament to what unity looks like in practice.

 “One night, people who do not look alike or think alike move to the same beat and rhythm. That rhythm is now hope. It is a possibility. Unity has always carried extraordinary potential and capacity,” he said.

Against the backdrop of Nigeria’s national challenges, Adefarasin connected the con cert to national healing, as he announced that proceeds from a new song to be premiered at the event—and subsequently from an album—will be directed to support Nigeria’s estimated four to 10 million internally displaced persons (IDPs).

“The dividends that would normally come to the artists are going to go to the IDPs,” he said, linking gospel music to the plight of suffering Christians.

This year’s theme, “Jesus United,” encapsulates the con cert’s vision of deliberate unity.

Adefarasin emphasised that true unity is not uniformity but a conscious choice to build something greater out of diversity.

He explained that such unity begins in the individual heart and expands to families, communities, and the nation, fostering shared responsibility, values, and societal strength.

“Jesus United reminds us that our most profound unity is found in Christ, in shared purpose, in shared grace, in shared responsibility one for another,” he said.

Pastor Adefarasin also used the occasion to celebrate Nigerian excellence, praising the young professionals behind the event who demonstrate that, “when the environment is suitable, we perform at world-class levels and define standards.”

He paid tribute to the artistes, technical crews, safety teams, media partners, and the thousands-strong “dream team” whose dedication has brought the event to life year after year.

Highlighting the significance of this milestone, he said: “Twenty years marks a significant achievement. It demonstrates the resilience of God’s grace, and of a nation that, despite its challeng es, continues to unite, celebrate, and rise together.”

As Nigeria marks three de cades since its return to democratic rule, The Experience 20 is poised as both a celebration of gospel music and a reminder that unity and excellence remain attainable ideals.

“We welcome you to a destiny-defining moment. A reminder that unity is powerful, that excellence is possible, and that Nigeria can still showcase something that the world pauses to watch,” Adefarasin said.

The 20th edition of The Experience held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, Lagos, and also streamed online, brought together thousands of participants locally and globally for a night of worship, music, and national reflection.