Rehoboth, 11, emerges GOFAMINT Ogba Bible challenge champion

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 (GOFAMINT), Ogba District, Region 12.

Olakunle emerged champion among 21 contestants at the grand finale held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Pacesetters Assembly, Lagos, after an impressive display of Scripture mastery and biblical knowledge.

For his feat, the young contestant received the star prize of a Dell Latitude 5410 laptop.

Aduragbemi Olaniran emerged first runner-up and received a mobile phone, while Jesumihefue Marcus placed third and was rewarded with a cash prize.

The competition tested the contestants on various aspects of biblical knowledge, including the recitation of 48 memory verses drawn from the 2025/2026 Sunday Bible School lessons, 1 Corinthians 13 and Bible quizzes.

The top 10 contestants received various prizes, while all 21 participants were presented with Certificates of Excellence in recognition of their commitment to studying and memorising the Scriptures.

Speaking on the theme, “Hiding God’s Word in Your Heart,” the District Pastor, Pastor Kehinde Ogundare, charged the youths to go beyond memorising Scripture for competition and make the Word of God the foundation of their daily lives.

Ogundare said God’s Word stored in the heart provides guidance, strengthens believers against sin and equips young Christians to live purposeful lives in an increasingly challenging world.

The District Youth Pastor, Abiodun Alade, said the initiative was designed not merely to identify outstanding Bible reciters but to deliberately raise a generation of young people with a deep and enduring relationship with God’s Word.

“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,” he said.

Alade commended the contestants for their commitment and appreciated the church leaders and supporters who contributed to the success of the initiative.

He noted that the winner received a laptop for the second consecutive year, while the runners-up received a brand-new mobile phone and cash prize, building on the tablets presented to the runners-up in the 2025 edition.

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The District Youth Coordinator, Tayo Olawunmi, also urged young people to embrace the Word of God and allow its principles to shape their character and conduct.

According to him, the true evidence of knowing Scripture is reflected in a life that demonstrates its values.

A special moment at the event was 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 was also presented with a special cash prize.

Now in its second edition, the Bible Recitation Challenge is part of the District Youth Fellowship’s efforts to promote biblical literacy, disciplined study of Scripture and godly living among young people.

The 2026 edition drew inspiration from 2 Timothy 2:15, which calls believers to diligently present themselves approved to God as workers who correctly handle the Word of truth.

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