…as church leaders applaud second edition

By Ebunoluwa Sessou

The Celestial Church of Christ,CCC, Makoko National Headquarters emerged winner of the second edition of the Reverend S.B.J. Oshoffa International Juvenile Quiz Competition, clinching the first position and a cash prize of $2,000.

The competition was organised by True Word in Season, an evangelical arm of the Greater Tomorrow Group, GTG of the Celestial Church of Christ.

Representing CCC Makoko National Headquarters, Jeremiah Babalola and Oluwaseun Hassan scored 16 points to secure the grand prize. Their counterparts from CCC Imole Ayo Parish 1, Ibadan, represented by Adedoyin Oluwasemilogo and Okanlawon Dada, finished second, while Akinboboye Fortune and Ogunlade Rebecca of CCC Itedo Alafia Jesu Parish, Pipeline Junction, Ile Epo, Lagos, placed third.

The competition, which lasted more than eight hours, attracted participants from 34 parishes within and outside Nigeria. Contestants competed in various categories, including Bible knowledge, church constitution, memory recitation, and other areas of spiritual and doctrinal learning.

Speaking at the event, Brother Samuel Ademola Bolaji said the competition was inspired by the vision and legacy of Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa, founder of the Celestial Church of Christ.

According to him, the initiative was designed to help younger generations understand the church’s history, doctrine, and divine mandate.

“We want our children to know and understand the purpose for which this church was established. There are many transformative lessons in the history and teachings of the church that can shape their minds and help them appreciate the beauty of God’s work in the Celestial Church,” he said.

Bolaji noted that the competition was deliberately structured to challenge participants both intellectually and spiritually.

“One thing unique about this competition is that the questions are not the usual questions answered elsewhere. They are technical and designed to produce mature minds that can understand, interpret, and apply knowledge. We are preparing a generation ready for the future of the church,” he added.

The convener reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to making the competition an annual event, describing it as a contribution toward sustaining Oshoffa’s legacy.

Also speaking, Assistant Most Superior Evangelist Afisuru Peter Kiki, Shepherd of CCC National Headquarters, described the initiative as a vital platform for preserving the legacy of the church’s founder and promoting biblical and constitutional knowledge among young members.

“It is a worthy initiative and a gift from God. This reflects the work Reverend S.B.J. Oshoffa carried out while he was with us. The organisers have expanded and improved upon that vision, and the results are evident,” he said.

Kiki commended the convener for investing in the spiritual and intellectual development of children within the church.

“Education remains the yardstick for continuity. If our children are not properly educated about the church, one wonders what will happen in the next hundred years. Through this competition, a new generation is being prepared to continue Oshoffa’s legacy,” he said.

Addressing perceptions that members of the Celestial Church are not well grounded in Scripture, Kiki dismissed such claims, insisting that the church places significant emphasis on biblical knowledge.

“Anyone who says Celestial Church members lack knowledge of the Bible needs God’s education. Our founder was found in the forest with the Bible in his hand. The church is deeply rooted in the Word of God,” he stated.

In his contribution, Secretary of the Quiz Committee, Brother Michael Josu, explained that the competition was designed to showcase the intellectual and spiritual capacity of young members of the church.

He revealed that more than 75 parishes initially indicated interest in the competition, but after a rigorous qualification process, only 34 parishes advanced to the final stage.

“We provided the participants with study materials and a syllabus months ahead. They were given about four months to prepare. We wanted them to come fully equipped and not as novices,” he said.

According to him, contestants were tested in areas including the Book of Exodus, the Gospel of Matthew, General Bible Knowledge, and the Constitution of the Celestial Church of Christ.

Josu further disclosed that, beyond the grand prize, the organisers made provisions for second- and third-place winners, as well as consolation prizes for all participants.

“We believe every child who participated deserves encouragement. The competition is not just about winning but about learning and growing in knowledge,” he added.

Meanwhile, the event also featured a medical outreach coordinated by Brother Oluwaseyi Ogunnami, who said health services were made available to participants and attendees.

“Our medical team is always on standby during programmes like this. We conduct health checks, including blood pressure and blood sugar screenings. Where necessary, we provide preliminary treatment and refer individuals to hospitals for further evaluation,” he explained.

The competition concluded with commendations from church leaders and participants, who expressed optimism that the initiative would continue to strengthen biblical literacy, leadership development, and spiritual growth among young members of the Celestial Church of Christ worldwide.

The winning team received a trophy and a cash prize of $2,000, while other contestants were rewarded with various prizes and consolation gifts.