Summit Bible Church, Abuja, has awarded more than N1.4 million to young talents at the Ekklesia by Design 2026 programme, an annual event for teenagers aged 11 to 15. The programme featured a debut essay competition that attracted over 150 entries from across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Insecurity Takes Centre Stage
Concerns over Nigeria's worsening insecurity dominated the event, as many participants independently chose to address kidnapping, violence, and fear among young people in their idea pitches and drama performances. The theme was 'Teens' witty idea for a better Nigeria', showcasing talents in dance, drama, spoken word, poetry, music, debates, and panel sessions.
Grand Finale and Awards
At the grand finale held at Summit Bible Church, Abuja, seven finalists received cash prizes. Overall winners in both junior and senior categories each received N200,000. In the junior category, Sarah Praise emerged winner, with Toki Ariyo and Jeremy Jackson as first and second runners-up, each receiving N150,000. In the senior category, Peace Ida won the top prize of N200,000, while Oluwole Godwin and Supreme Onunobi received N150,000 each. Other finalists got N50,000 each.
Church Leaders Speak
Founder and Senior Pastor, Dr Andrew Osakwe, applauded participants for their creativity and patriotism. Represented by Associate Pastor Dr Noel Saliu, he encouraged teenagers not to underestimate their abilities, citing Biblical figures Samuel and Jeremiah as examples of young leaders called by God. Pastor Kingsley Bangwell of Ekklesia Teens Church noted that the focus on insecurity reflects the reality facing Nigerian families and urged the government to prioritize school security.
“I’m asking government to prioritize securing our schools. We cannot afford to allow the attack on the education system, because an attack on the education system is an attack on the children and the future,” Pastor Bangwell said.
Winners' Message
The overall winners, 13-year-old Sarah Praise and 15-year-old Peace Ida, urged fellow teenagers to pursue their dreams despite fear or doubt. They called on governments to invest more in education, youth development, and security to create a safe environment for young Nigerians to thrive.
