An 11-year-old, Rehoboth Olakunle, has emerged winner of the 2026 Bible Recitation Challenge organised by the Youth Fellowship of The Gospel Faith Mission International, Ogba, Lagos.
Olakunle defeated 20 other contestants to emerge first at the grand finale held on Sunday at the Pacesetters Assembly in Lagos.
As the winner, the young contestant received a Dell Latitude 5410 laptop, while Aduragbemi Olaniran, who finished as the first runner-up, received a mobile phone. Jesumihefue Marcus, who placed third, was presented with a cash prize.
The competition tested participants on different aspects of biblical knowledge, including the recitation of 48 memory verses taken from the 2025/2026 Sunday Bible School lessons, 1 Corinthians 13 and Bible quizzes.
A total of 21 contestants participated in the competition, with the top 10 receiving various prizes.
Beyond the prizes, all 21 contestants were presented with Certificates of Excellence in recognition of their commitment to studying and memorising the scriptures.
Speaking at the event, the District Youth Pastor, Abiodun Alade, said the initiative was aimed at raising young people who would develop a deep and lasting relationship with the Word of God.
Alade said the prizes were secondary to the knowledge and values gained by the participants through studying the Bible.
“We desire to raise a generation that will study the Word, memorise it, treasure it, declare it and, most importantly, live by it,” he said.
He commended the contestants for their dedication and appreciated the leaders and supporters who contributed to the success of the competition.
According to him, the winner received a laptop for the second consecutive year, while the runners-up received a mobile phone and cash prize. This followed the presentation of tablets to the runners-up in the 2025 edition.
Also speaking, the District Pastor, Kehinde Ogundare, encouraged the young participants to look beyond memorising scripture for competition purposes and make the teachings of the Bible part of their daily lives.
Ogundare said having the Word of God in their hearts could guide the youths, strengthen them against sin and help them live purposeful lives.
The District Youth Coordinator, Tayo Olawunmi, similarly urged young people to embrace biblical teachings and allow them to influence their character and conduct.
He said the true evidence of knowing scripture was reflected in a person’s life and the extent to which its values were demonstrated.
The event also featured the recognition of Grace Akinmutola, winner of the 2025 edition, who was celebrated for her achievement and continued commitment to the vision of the competition. She also received a cash prize.
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