THE 4th edition of Pa Stephen Nicholas Kolade Annual Memorial Bible Quiz Competition was held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at St. Peter Hall of Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Cathedral, Adatan, Abeokuta.
While welcoming guests to the event, an annual Bible contest which was put together by the children of Pa. Stephen Nicholas Kolade, in memory of their father who died on November 20, 2011, Mrs. Stephanie Fikayo Amoo, one of the children, disclosed that the objective of the annual spiritual exercise is to further encourage the youths towards imbibing the culture of deep study of the word of God and equip them with necessary information about the Catholic faith.
According to Mrs Amoo, ”We cannot shy away from the realities of our modern society where worldly distractions are competing for attention in the hearts and minds of our younger ones and have made parenting these days, a bit more challenging. It is, therefore, very important and necessary to adopt all means available at assisting our youths in the awareness and consciousness of their true identities as soldiers of Christ so as not to be confused amidst a number of negative social vices,” she admonished, while appealing to the contestants not to drop the momentum.
“You should continue the deep study of the word of God and ensure that the impacts of such study reflects in your conducts such that many more would be drawn to Christ through your exemplary ways of life and Christ-like behaviour that depicts you as true Children of God”.
Master Joel Nnamokwor emerged the overall winner of the competition, beating 14 other contestants to the cash prize of N200,00 as well as other gifts.
Both Master John Chigozie and Miss Harmony Ofili, the overall third-best winners as first runner-up and second runner-up respectively, went home with a total sum of N110,000 and N90,000. Master Jude Igwe and Miss Stephanie Afeleokhai took the 4th and the 5th positions respectively.
The contestants had an impressive outing with continued cheer from the ecstatic audience who came out in huge numbers to boost the morale of the contestants.
Apart from the three major winners, the remaining twelve contestants were given a token of N5,000 each for their efforts. All the contestants also went home with various souvenirs and gift items. De ’bridge Foundation also presented gifts to all the children that were present at the event.
In his closing remarks, the cathedral administrator, Very Rev Fr. Dominic Olagbaju commended the contestants for their boldness and passionate love for the word of God. He commended their parents for preparing them adequately for the competition while admonishing all parents to pay particular attention to the spiritual growth of their children.
He encouraged the contestants to continue the deep study of the world of God even after the contest. He appreciated the cathedral community and everyone for the impressive turnout and lastly, thanked the Kolade Family for organising the spiritual exercise. He reiterated the support of the cathedral parish for the event which he said has come to stay as an annual programme.
The event had in attendance, the Dean, Ss. Peter & Paul Deanery, Itesi, Very Rev’d Fr Raymond Adebowale; the Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev’d Fr. Dominic Olagbaju; the Director, Social Communications Department, Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Very Rev’d Fr. Gregory Fadele and the Administrator, Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Very Rev’d Fr. Peter Ogiator.
Also in attendance were Rev’d Sr. Anyawu and Rev’d Sr. Mary Ede, representing the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles; Chief M.O Koleoso, Chairman, Mokland Hotels; Pa M.O Olonade, General Manager, Ogun State Housing Corporation, Mr. Wale Ojo, representatives of the Parish Laity Council; Catholic Men Organization; Catholic Women Organization Holy Childhood Association, among others.
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