The city of Lagos came alive when the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) seized the national holiday; May 1 to thrill Nigerian youths with its annual youth event tagged: Lagos Shift 2018.
The event was graced by top officials of the church led by the National General Overseer, Nigeria, Pastor Joshua Obayemi; Assistant General Overseer, (Administration and Personnel), Pastor Johnson Odesola; Assistant General Overseer in charge of young adults and youths and Regional Pastor, East Africa, Pastor Ona Amekena; Pastor Dare Adeboye, and the host, the Vice Chancellor University of Lagos (UNILAG), Pastor Toyin Ogundipe; renowned public speaker, Fela Durotoye, among others.
The venue, UNILAG Sports Centre, was set agog when popular comic actor, Ayo Ajewole (a.k.a Woli Agaba) and his team ‘stormed’ the stage as the chant of the hyper –actor “IMP progress” rent the atmosphere. Fast-rising gospel singer, Bidemi Olaoba, also charged the venue with his popular hits.
Woli Agba, told R that he was delighted to be part of the event.
“It gave me the privilege to connect with my people and it was a testament that our message is popular among Nigerian youths. RCCG is doing a great work to empower our youth and I am happy to be part of the development.”
One of the highpoints of the events, which had over 6,000 youths in attendance, was talent hunts in dance, music and public speaking categories. King Ojemba carted home N1million as the overall winner and Lagos Shift 2018 ambassador, while the two runners up got N200,000 each.
National Coordinator Shift Project, Pastor Jacob Obaru, said: “This is almost times six of the last attendance. It is an eye opener that this church is giving a platform to every young person to express their God-given talents. This is a purely church CSR and all contestants registered free, and all the talents that participated in the contest will be nurtured. We recently held Port Harcourt Shift, Warri Shift, Eket Shift and Abuja next, while the international events are in the pipeline.”
Obayemi expressed his satisfaction over the turnout of the event, adding, “I am impressed about the improvements compared with the previous ones and I could see that we are progressing. Christ Himself gives resources and wisdom to actualise vision. If these things are of God it will stand. But if it is otherwise it will crumble. However, it is a clear indication that it is of God; that is why it will ever stand and continue to progress. I want to charge the new talents to remain focused and continue to abide in the word of God.”
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