Get Guardian on GoogleThe Youths in Christ Network (YICN), a non-denominational Christian youth movement, is quietly building what could become one of Nigeria’s most closely watched faith-based talent platforms, with a nationwide competition and a flagship concert already underway.
To actualie this, the group has launched a nationwide talent initiative tagged The Next Worship Minister (TNWM) 2026, aimed at discovering and nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of worship ministers, with a grand prize of N5 million set aside for the eventual winner.
Designed to spotlight gifted young gospel singers and worship leaders, the competition seeks to provide a platform where emerging talents can grow spiritually, refine their musical gifts, and gain national recognition while ministering through music.
Speaking on the initiative, Founder and Convener, YICN, Olugbenga Owoye, said the group is not only running a competition, but opening a door. “Every generation needs voices that can lead people into God’s presence, and some of those voices simply haven’t had a platform yet.
“YICN was founded to raise, disciple and create a platform for young Christians through creative arts, worship and community events. YICN has in recent years built a growing footprint among Nigeria’s Gen Z and millennial Christian population, an audience often underserved by mainstream entertainment and cultural programming built around it.”
“We crown our winner at the end of TNWM, but that’s only the beginning; the world gets to hear them live, on the AIP stage in December,” he added, emphasizing that TNWM exists to close gaps, and not as a talent show chasing a viral moment, but as a call.
“TNWM is seen as an act of discipleship as much as discovery, identifying young people with a genuine gift for worship, and equipping them to lead others into faith, not merely to perform for an audience.”
Application is already open for the nationwide search for emerging worship talent, in which the winner will be crowned at the end of the competition and then take the stage to perform live before the world at the group’s flagship end-of-year event — The AIP concert — scheduled to hold December 13.
Owoye further said that the N5 million grand prize is split between N1 million in cash and a N4 million professional recording package. He added that the concert is expected to attract over 10,000 attendees, with additional reach through live streaming to audiences beyond the venue.
