By Olayinka Latona

Muritala Desmond, 9, and Taiwo Ewaoluwa, 11, both pupils of Salem Baptist International School, emerged as winners in the 4th edition of the Primary Schools Bible Competition (PSBC) organized by the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN).

The annual event, part of BSN’s mission to instill godly values and increase Bible knowledge among children, witnessed a large turnout of primary school students from various schools across Lagos.

The winners, Master Desmond and Miss Ewaoluwa, expressed their joy, saying: “We are happy that our school, Salem Baptist International School, took the first position. We are very grateful that the Bible Society of Nigeria organizes this competition for primary schools. God bless them.”

They added: “We have been studying for the past weeks with the help of our teacher, and we thank God for crowning our efforts. We also appreciate BSN for providing this wonderful platform for us to read, study, and understand the Bible.”

Desmond, a Basic 4 pupil from a Muslim family, displayed exceptional brilliance during the competition, answering all questions and spellings correctly alongside his teammate, Ewaoluwa. According to him, “The Bible teaches me how to obey God and be an obedient child.”

Speaking at the event, the General Secretary of BSN, Pastor Samuel Sanusi, emphasized that the competition encourages children to open the Bible and study it. He added that it helps children interact with the word of God, shaping them positively at home, in school, and within society.

Pastor Sanusi, represented by the Production and Programmes Manager, Mrs. Grace Benjamin, revealed that the motive behind the competition is to revive godly values in children. He also called on individuals, churches, and corporate bodies to partner with and sponsor the competition.

In his words: “We want our children to continue to revive godly values because if you look around, there is so much moral decadence. We want our children to read the Bible, to know what God wants them to do in life, and live according to the will of God. This will help make society a better place.”

He continued: “We can see a zeal in the children to know the word of God. Parents should encourage their children to read the Bible. It is very important because as they read, they grow in the way of God. It’s not only about academics; they can be brilliant but not morally sound.”

Out of 17 participating schools at the preliminary stage, six qualified for the grand finale. Graine Royal School and Angels on Mission were the first and second runners-up, God’s Glory Abide Nursery and Primary School came fourth, while Tane Crescent and De-future Hope School secured fifth and sixth places, respectively.