The General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, and his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Folashade Olukoya, have reaffirmed their commitment to youth development, declaring that their lifelong passion is to help young people discover, develop and fulfil their God-given destinies while steering them away from social vices.

The couple made the commitment at the grand finale of the 2026 Dr. and Dr. (Mrs.) Daniel Kolawole Olukoya Choral and Solo Competition for Secondary Schools, held at the MFM Grace Hall, Onike, Lagos.

The event attracted students, music teachers, parents, government officials and other stakeholders in the education sector.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Olukoya said the competition forms part of his 70-Point Youth Repositioning Agenda aimed at empowering young people spiritually, academically and economically.

“Our lifelong passion, vision and that of my wife is to support initiatives that help young people discover, develop and fulfil their God-given destinies,” he said.
“MFM is committed to evangelising youths for Christ and supporting programmes that will help them discover God while developing their talents.”

N6.2 Million Prizes, Scholarships
The competition saw participants receive cash prizes worth N6.2 million, seven university scholarships, keyboards and several consolation prizes.

Seven outstanding solo performers were awarded full-tuition scholarships to any public university in Nigeria, regardless of their chosen course of study.

In the choral category, Halifield Schools, Maryland, emerged overall winner, receiving N2 million and a keyboard.

International School came second and received N1.5 million and a keyboard, while Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary placed third, winning N1 million and a keyboard.

Birrel Avenue Senior High School finished fourth and received N500,000. CMS Grammar School came fifth with N250,000, while CMS Girls Senior Grammar School, Bariga, placed sixth and received N100,000.
Each of the seven scholarship beneficiaries also received N150,000 as a consolation prize, while other contestants were similarly rewarded.

One of the scholarship recipients, Miss Joanna Phillips, expressed gratitude to God and appreciated Dr. and Dr. (Mrs.) Olukoya for securing her university education through the scholarship award.

Other beneficiaries, including Emmanuel Ebube, Ojelabi Feyikunmi, Humphrey David, Nwachukwu Priscillia, Francis Mary, and Phillip Adeola Mowaleoluwa (violin), thanked the Olukoyas for the life-changing opportunity, describing the scholarship as a major boost to their educational aspirations.

Head of Halifield Schools, Mrs. Frances Osuchukwu, described the gesture as inspiring.

“This victory will encourage our students and other young people to strive for excellence, build confidence, develop critical thinking skills and stay away from societal vices,” she said.

Competition Part of 70-Point Youth Agenda
Dr.Olukoya explained that the competition is one of several initiatives under his 70-Point Youth Repositioning Agenda, designed to rescue youths from social vices while providing opportunities for academic, spiritual and economic advancement.

“This Choral and Solo Competition is part of my 70-Point Youth Repositioning Agenda, launched to reach young men and women wherever they may be and provide platforms for their spiritual, academic and economic growth,” he said.

According to him, the initiative has impacted thousands of young Nigerians through programmes in education, sports, entrepreneurship, agriculture, leadership development and moral values.
“We have created opportunities for young people through sports and educational support schemes.

Under the initiative, MFM has established football, basketball and wrestling programmes that have helped discover and nurture talented athletes.”
He added that the agenda also supports agriculture as a means of tackling unemployment and promoting food security.
‘Music Builds Character’

Dr. Olukoya stressed that music remains a powerful tool for character formation, creativity and intellectual development.
“Music remains a powerful tool for character formation, creativity and intellectual growth among young people,” he said.

He urged students to pursue excellence in both academics and extracurricular activities, noting that discipline, dedication and hard work remain essential ingredients for success.

He also advised youths to avoid drug abuse, cultism, bad company and other social vices capable of destroying their future, while calling on parents, religious leaders and community stakeholders to play active mentoring roles.

Sanwo-Olu Commends Olukoyas
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Special Assistant on Christian Religious Affairs, Rev. Bukola Adeleke, praised Dr. and Dr. (Mrs.) Olukoya for their sustained investment in youth development.

He urged politicians, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the couple’s philanthropic efforts in building a better society.

“The objectives of this competition—talent discovery, confidence-building and youth empowerment—align perfectly with our administration’s conviction that the future of Lagos is best secured through deliberate investment in young people,” he said.
The governor also praised the achievements of MFM’s choral groups on the global stage.
“Since its inception in 2011, this competition has grown into one of the most respected platforms for youth musical development in Lagos State.

“From the Shalom Chorale’s victory at the BBC Gospel Choir of the Year Competition to the MFM Mountain Top Chorale’s two gold medals at the 2024 World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand, the world has seen what Lagos can produce when talent meets structure and dedication.”
He added that music goes beyond entertainment.

“Music is not merely performance; it teaches teamwork. It trains young minds to think, feel and lead. This competition demonstrates the power of music as a tool for character development, discipline, creativity and national unity.”

Education Ministry Applauds Initiative
Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, commended the Olukoyas for consistently identifying and nurturing young talents.

“Dr. Olukoya’s passion for discovering and nurturing students’ talents is highly commendable,” he said.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, represented by Dr. Bolaji Omoniyi, Head of Music, Co-Curricular Department, described the competition as “a beacon of excellence in music education.”

She noted that the initiative has continued to help students discover their talents, build confidence and acquire valuable life skills.

Competition Began in 2011
Chairperson of the 2026 competition and Director of the Mountain Top Conservatory Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra, Pastor (Mrs.) Oyinkansola Akinselure, said the competition was inaugurated in 2011 with the approval of the Lagos State Ministry of Education.

She disclosed that the 2026 edition, the third in the current series, commenced in 2025 with online preliminaries and semi-finals, attracting participation from 88 schools and 20 solo performers.
According to her, the competition reflects the vision of Dr. and Dr. (Mrs.) Olukoya to improve music education while keeping young people meaningfully engaged.

“This year, we introduced a competition for solo singers and instrumentalists, with seven outstanding participants receiving full scholarships to any public university in Nigeria,” she said.

The event ended with impressive musical performances by students from schools across Lagos State, further underscoring the role of music education in promoting discipline, teamwork, creativity and academic excellence.