Church Awards Talent Reality Show Winners

APPEALING Grace Assembly International recently gave out awards to the winners of the 5th edition of Praise Up Chop Up Gospel Talent Reality show organised by the church for the youths. The programme, held from October to December 2014, saw winners emerged from Dance and Music categories.

   Speaking on the concept, the Senior Pastor of the church, Akinola Akinwale, noted that Praise-up Chop-up was a Biblical concept to praise the Lord. “About five years ago, I mooted the idea. I saw how Satan was using young people through the annual carnivals to wreak havoc in the society. They force people to give money to organise carnivals. The energy of the youth is an industry and an awesome resource base for the survival of the nation. So, God spoke to me that if I can harness the energy of these youths, it could be useful for national and kingdom development. That is what brought about the concept. 

  “So, since 2010, we have been gathering. The first edition was a freelance show and by 2011, we introduce prizes to motivate and preach the word of God to them, through which majority of the attendees gave their lives to Christ. We have been gathering annually to give awards to exemplary talents in the youth world. All of the winners here are not only members of our church, but we encourage gospel songs. We have six categories of awards: three in dance and three in music. The star prize winner receives a medal and N200, 000,” he explained.

   While calling on the church and government to harness the energy of the youth for positive use, Pastor Akinwale said: 

  “The nation and church are suffering because of serious neglect of the youths. The glory of the youth is in their energy. We have to invest in the industry of the youths, there is need to invest in their talents. To some people in Nigeria, entertainment is odd. What makes Nigeria tick today is Nollywood, with its spice of entertainment.”