Rehoboth Olakunle, an eleven-year-old, has emerged as the champion of the 2026 Bible Recitation Challenge organised by the Youth Fellowship of The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Ogba District, Region 12. The grand finale was held at the Pacesetters Assembly in Lagos, where Olakunle finished first among 21 contestants, showcasing impressive Scripture mastery and biblical knowledge.
The competition tested participants across several areas 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. As the winner, Olakunle received a Dell Latitude 5410 laptop as the star prize. Aduragbemi Olaniran emerged as the first runner-up and received a mobile phone, while Jesumihefue Marcus finished third and received a cash reward.
The event, themed “Hiding God’s Word in Your Heart,” had District Pastor, Pastor Kehinde Ogundare, charging the youths to go beyond memorising Scripture for the purpose of competition. He emphasised that God’s Word stored in the heart provides guidance, strengthens believers against sin, and equips young Christians to live purposefully in an increasingly challenging world.
District Youth Pastor Abiodun Alade stated that the initiative was designed to deliberately cultivate a generation of young people with a deep and enduring relationship with God’s Word. He noted that the greatest reward is not the prizes but the Word of God these young people have hidden in their hearts. Alade applauded the youths for their commitment and appreciated the leaders and supporters who made the initiative possible.
The District Youth Coordinator, Tayo Olawunmi, called on young people to embrace the Word of God and allow its principles to shape their character and conduct. He noted that the true evidence of knowing Scripture is reflected in a life that demonstrates its values. The prizes for this year’s competition built on the tablets presented to runners-up in 2025.
A special moment at the event was the recognition of Grace Akinmutola, the 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. The 2026 edition drew inspiration from 2 Timothy 2:15, which calls believers to diligently present themselves approved to God.
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. Contestants who finished among the top 10 received various prizes, while all 21 participants were presented with Certificates of Excellence in recognition of their dedication to studying and memorising the Scriptures.
Key points
- Rehoboth Olakunle won the 2026 Bible Recitation Challenge and received a Dell Latitude 5410 laptop.
- The competition tested participants on biblical knowledge, including recitation of memory verses and Bible quizzes.
- The initiative aims to cultivate a generation of young people with a deep relationship with God’s Word.
