Believers Talent Competition Urges Government to Support Youth Empowerment
By Adewale Owoade
The organiser of the “Believers Talent Competition”, Modupeola Awofolaju, has urged the government to create a more enabling environment for youth development programmes, rather than imposing restrictions.
Speaking at the Believers Talent Competition held at an Event Centre, Akobo, Ibadan, emphasised the need for collective efforts to nurture the next generation of talented Nigerians.
Awofolaju called on government agencies, parents, and private organisations to collaborate in empowering young people with skills and purpose.
” The teenagers, if we don’t catch them young now, they will do the otherwise, so am encouraging other people as well, to do this, because they are the future.
“Catch them young now let model them in the way of the Lord so that our future will be a safe place.
“If government can give us an open arm, there is still restrictions of religious crisis which is not even necessary to get to these children.
“I’m begging on the government to let us do this together, because if these children can turn out right, I can tell you Nigeria will be better.
“We have talented children, if government can really support us and let do this together, we can assure you that the children will turn out even far better than what we can expect,” Awofolaju said.
Guest speaker, Pastor Tayo Ogunleye of Harvesters Church, Ibadan, who spoke on “Unveiling the Power Within You’, challenged educators and policymakers to review Nigeria’s outdated school curriculum to accommodate creativity and practical skill development.
“Education has gone beyond just following letters, it is time for us to begin to look beyond all of that. People and children particularly can do a lot of things.
“So, I believe the schools and institutions of learning should begin to look beyond the curriculum or already set standards that had been in place for decades which is what we keep following and is killing the giants that are on the inside of them.
“I believe that government would begin to look in this direction and help our children, when they do that am sure we will have a greater nation full of genius that can make our nation to be great,” he stated.
One of the participants, Mariam Usman of Angels College, who won a scholarship after topping the Art Category, described the experience as life-changing.
“My victory shows that my talent means a lot and I can do better,” she said.
The event showcased creativity across art, music, and dance, featured spirited performances from Angels College, Living Stone College, J Nissi College, and Akobo Baptist Church Teenagers Fellowship.
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of Mrs Awofolaju’s new book, “DISTRACTION — Overcoming the Subtle War Against Focus,” which she said was inspired by the need to help young people remain purpose-driven in an age of noise and confusion.
