Sanwo-Olu lauds initiative as cleric tasks youth on moral

The General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministry, Dr Daniel K. Olukoya, has called on Nigerian youth to be mindful of the company they keep, make good use of their time, avoid destructive habits and to move closer to God.

He gave this admonition at the finals of the 3rd edition of Dr Olukoya Choral and Solo Competition for Secondary Schools held at MFM Grace Auditorium, Onike, Yaba, Lagos

Olukoya disclosed that the event was part of his 70-point Agenda to promote youth development, moral discipline and spiritual growth, stressing that such initiatives remain critical to nation building and the fight against social vices.

On the vision behind the initiative, the cleric said, it was borne out of his passion to help young people to discover and fulfill their destinies and also to steer them away from crime, immorality and other negative influences prevalent in the society, adding that participation in musical activities helps to instill values such as teamwork, cooperation, discipline and unity, while productively engaging their minds.

He said: “Anything that helps the youth to grow, escape the vices of society and fulfill their destiny is worth supporting. Through activities, including music, sports and other creative engagements, we help young people find purpose and build positive values.”

Olukoya disclosed that the initiative has expanded to include the award of scholarship to outstanding participants and also expressed optimism that it would grow from its current scope to becoming a national and international platform.

Maintaining that music remains a powerful tool for promoting social cohesion and reducing youth involvement in criminal activities, the cleric urged Nigerians to embrace righteousness, fairness and integrity, noting that corruption and moral decadence have continued to hinder the nation’s progress.

He enjoined Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayer, saying with divine intervention and collective responsibilities, the nation will overcome its current challenges and be great again.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Christian Matters, Rev. Bukola Adeleke, commended the initiative and called on other religious bodies to emulate it.

Keenly contested, Halifield Schools, Maryland, Lagos, came first and went home with the coveted N2 million prize money and a keyboard. University of Lagos International School, followed and got N1.5 million and a keyboard, while Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary School, Ikorodu, came third and got N1 million and a keyboard.

Birrel Avenue High School, Sabo-Yaba came fourth and went home with N500,000, while CMS Boys Grammar School was fifth and got N250,000. Ten schools were given N100,000 each as consolation prize.

In the Solo category, Emmanuel Ebube of Imota Community Senior Grammar School, Ikorodu, Lagos, came first; Ojelabi Feyikunmi of Igbobi, second, while Joanna Phillips of Christ Divine Favour College, Onike, Yaba, Lagos came third. Seven participants were awarded scholarship (tuition only) in any public university in the country.

Professor Albert Oikelome, a music and musicologist don of University of Lagos, who headed the panel of judges for the competition said the judges based their decisions on tone production, good diction, expression and interpretation, good appearance, stage presentation and confidence, and good use of time among others.