TheCable

Discipleship Academy, a group committed to raising Godly and well-rounded children in the society, has held a Bible bee competition for children within the federal capital territory (FCT).

Children between the ages of six to 17 participated in the competition made up of three stages — preliminary, semifinal, and final.

Three students emerged winners at the grand finale which was held at Jewels Leading Lights Academy on Saturday.

Stephanie Idowu emerged winner for 13-15 category, Ezekiel Light, winner for 10-12, and Praise Victor, the winner for 6-9.

The three winners were awarded N150,000 each.

Other participants were given consolation prizes.

Speaking during the event, Oluwatoyin Oboh, convener of the group, said the aim of the competition which started in 2019 is to encourage children to build good bible habits which would have a ripple effect on the society at large.

“So, in recent times, we’ve noticed that Christian children are not really motivated in terms of reading their Bible,” she said.

“They see it more as a chore and so we decided to come up with a programme where we can motivate them to read and get rewards.

“But, at the end of the day, what usually happens is that getting into the skill, the habits and the routine of reading the Bible never leave them. So, it’s a win-win situation.

“In a world where black has become white, the word of God is truth and as they read the Bible, it helps them in terms of making the right choices, the right decisions. The word of God becomes like an internal compass that navigates them through their life.

“We are having a lot of addictions, substance abuse, a lot of vices and ills in the society and everything stems from decisions.

“So, if a growing child has the word of God in their hearts, they are able to understand that this is wrong and this is right. It sets their value system, it sets their belief system and that at the end of the day helps them contribute positively and makes a better positive impact to their world.”

Oboh added that the competition will soon be extended to other states across the country.