Excellence in Scriptural Mastery

Eleven-year-old Rehoboth Olakunle has emerged winner of the 2026 Bible Recitation Challenge organised by the Youth Fellowship of The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Ogba District, Region 12. Olakunle outperformed 20 other contestants to secure the top prize, a Dell Latitude 5410 laptop, at the grand finale held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Pacesetters Assembly, Lagos.

Following closely in the rankings, Aduragbemi Olaniran emerged as the first runner-up and was presented with a mobile phone, while Jesumihefue Marcus took the third-place position, receiving a cash prize. The rigorous competition tested the contestants' mastery of Scripture through the recitation of 48 memory verses selected from the 2025/2026 Sunday Bible School lessons, 1 Corinthians 13, and various Bible quizzes.

In recognition of their hard work, contestants who finished among the top 10 received various prizes. Additionally, all 21 participants were awarded Certificates of Excellence to acknowledge their commitment to studying and memorising the Scriptures during the course of the challenge.

Spiritual Guidance and Character Building

Speaking on the theme, “Hiding God’s Word in Your Heart,” the District Pastor, Pastor Kehinde Ogundare, delivered a charge to the youth. He urged them to look beyond the competitive aspect of the event and focus on making the Word of God the foundation of their daily lives.

Ogundare emphasised that storing scriptural truths in the heart serves as a vital guide for young believers, providing them with the spiritual strength to resist sin. He noted that such a foundation equips the younger generation to live purposeful lives despite the complexities and challenges of the modern world.

Cultivating a Scripturally Grounded Generation

The District Youth Pastor, Abiodun Alade, explained that the initiative was designed to do more than just identify talented reciters. According to Alade, the primary goal is to deliberately cultivate a generation of young people who possess a deep and enduring relationship with the Bible.

The greatest reward is not the laptop, phone, cash or any of the prizes. It is the Word of God these young people have hidden in their hearts. Our desire is to raise a generation that will study the Word, memorise it, treasure it, declare it and, most importantly, live by it.

— Abiodun Alade, District Youth Pastor, GOFAMINT

Alade further commended the participants for their dedication and expressed gratitude to the leaders and supporters who made the event possible. He highlighted the growth of the competition, noting that this year marked the second consecutive time a laptop was awarded to the winner, with runners-up receiving mobile phones and cash prizes.

Promoting Biblical Literacy and Disciplined Living

Adding to the exhortations, the District Youth Coordinator, Tayo Olawunmi, encouraged the young participants to allow biblical principles to shape their character and conduct. He remarked that the true measure of scriptural knowledge is found in a life that demonstrates the values of the Word, rather than just the ability to recite passages from memory.

A significant moment during the ceremony was the recognition of Grace Akinmutola, the winner of the 2025 edition. She was honoured for her continued commitment to the vision of the competition and was presented with a special cash prize as an encouragement to stay dedicated to her spiritual growth.

Now in its second year, the Bible Recitation Challenge serves as a cornerstone of the District Youth Fellowship’s efforts to promote biblical literacy and disciplined study. The 2026 edition was anchored on the principles of 2 Timothy 2:15, urging believers to diligently present themselves as workers who correctly handle the word of truth.