By Ebunoluwa Sessou

The Sharon Parish of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) clinched first position and won the sum of $2,500 in the second edition of the Reverend S.B.J. Oshoffa Annual Memorial International Juvenile Music Competition organised by True Word in Season, an evangelical arm of the Greater Tomorrow Group (GTG) of the Celestial Church of Christ.

The event, which featured 29 CCC parishes from across the South-West and beyond, was organised to honour the legacy of the founder of the church, Reverend Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa.

At the grand finale held at the Muson Centre in Lagos, nine parishes competed for the $2,500 cash prize, with CCC Ijaye Olifi emerging second, while CCC Glorious Children came third.

Speaking during the event, the Convener of True Word in Season, Brother Ademola Bolaji, said the initiative was designed to preserve and improve the musical heritage handed down by the founder of the church.

According to him, unlike the maiden edition held last year, this year’s competition introduced a three-day music camp where participating children were tutored and coached extensively in music.

“Last year we were unable to do some things. This year there was camping for the children. They underwent three days of camping where they were tutored and coached in music. Even the children themselves testified that it was beyond what they expected,” he said.

Bolaji explained that the vision of the competition was to rebuild the musical foundation of the church in line with the standards established by Oshoffa, whom he described as a trained musicologist.

“He was a colonial master-trained musicologist. He knew music deeply. When you played before him, he could tell when the notes were wrong. So if we begin to raise these younger ones according to his legacy, then we are getting somewhere,” he added.

He noted that the competition also serves as a platform to celebrate legendary composers within the church whose contributions to music have remained largely unrecognised.

Bolaji disclosed that this year’s edition honoured veteran composer Emmanuel Oluwasegun Ogabi, known for composing several popular songs used by the church’s renowned Central Choir.

“We decided that those who contributed immensely to the church’s music should be celebrated while they are alive. Ogabi composed many of the songs that are commonly sung in the church today, yet many people do not know him,” he said.

The convener further explained that the programme would continue to hold annually around the Children’s Day celebration period, in keeping with Oshoffa’s tradition of organising activities for children, including Bible quiz competitions.

“In Papa’s days, children were always celebrated through Bible quiz competitions. We decided to continue that legacy. Beyond today’s music competition, we also have a Bible quiz scheduled for May 30,” he stated.

On opportunities available to participants beyond the grand prize of $2,500, Bolaji said the organisers were exploring mentorship, scholarships and music development opportunities for outstanding children.
“We now assess the children carefully to discover their strengths, musical abilities and rehearsal patterns. We even visit their parishes to monitor rehearsals so we can help improve their musical growth,” he said.
He added that although the programme is capital-intensive, members of the Greater Tomorrow Group have remained committed to funding it through voluntary contributions.

“We contribute personally because this is our own way of celebrating the legacy of the founder of the church. As long as God continues to bless us, this vision will continue,” he said.

Also speaking, veteran composer Emmanuel Ogabi expressed joy at listening to younger choristers render songs originally composed by him decades ago.

According to him, many of the songs are solemn and emotional in nature and should be rendered with moderation and sensitivity.

“Those songs are very sensitive and emotional. They are meant to be sung solemnly, not too fast. Some of the judges today were members of the Central Choir and they understand how those songs were originally rendered,” he explained.

In his remarks, Most Senior Evangelist Samson Banjo expressed delight at the large turnout of young people at the grand finale.

“I am happy that many of those who were here last year are also here today for this grand finale. Those seated in the front row are the ones to whom we will hand over the mantle in the future,” he said.
Addressing members above the age of 25, Banjo said they were privileged to witness what he described as an impending revival in the church.

“For those above 25 years, I will say you are among the most blessed people in the world because the church is going to experience a turnaround and heaven will bless you,” he stated.

“You are not seeing the true Celestial Church right now; what you are seeing is only a shadow of the church. The covenant of Pa Oshoffa is still with the church.

“Papa promised before he passed on that we have seen nothing yet and that at a particular time, the Almighty would descend His power upon us.

“That promise will surely come to pass and you will witness wonders. It will be so powerful that people will no longer drift away. I want the young people to remain steadfast in the Lord. Be happy and trust in God,” he added.