Iyou I Tseghan (The Holy Place)

"Iyou I Tseghan" (The Holy Place) is a vibrant and deeply inviting Entrance hymn composed in the Tiv language by Gilbert Gbakaan. With its joyful call to worship, the song paints a picture of the faithful rushing eagerly to the sanctuary—"Gudu, gudu ior mough gba yemen sha atse atseghan"—to gather in the presence of the living King. It captures the anticipation and communal joy of a congregation coming together to praise God.

The verses beautifully unfold the blessings of dwelling in God's presence. The choir sings of the Holy Spirit descending upon the people and the glory of the Lord filling the house. In a particularly moving passage in the third verse, the lyrics proclaim that for everyone who comes before the Lord, all troubles will cease—both the sickness of sin ("angev mbu asorabo") and the sickness of the body ("angev mbu iyolugh").

Written in tonic sol-fa notation, this piece is a staple for Catholic choirs in Benue State and beyond, often used to set a lively, faith-filled tone at the beginning of Mass. Its driving rhythm and uplifting message remind the congregation that true healing and rejoicing are found in the house of the Lord.