Secondary school students across Bayelsa State have poured accolades on the League of Character Clubs International (LCCI) for its unwavering commitment to talent discovery and youth empowerment through faith-based initiatives. This commendation came on the heels of the maiden edition of the Character (Engr.) Izibaye Sorgwe Christian Songs Competition, held on Thursday in Igbogene, Yenagoa, which brought together a talented assembly of students from various public and private secondary schools.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Miss Oluche Kennedy Fruitful of Treasure Jireh International School and Miss Nwachukwu Melody Onyinyechi of Ebivico Early Foundation School described the event as an inspiring platform. They noted that the competition beautifully demonstrates how natural talents can be deployed in service to both God and humanity, while highlighting that gospel music serves as a viable career path and a profound instrument for worship and thanksgiving.
The LCCI, which spearheaded the event, maintains a prestigious international affiliation with the International Age of Character Clubs of the University of Science and Philosophy, based in Swannanoa, Waynesboro, Virginia, USA.
Opening the ceremony, the President-General of the LCCI, Character (Dr.) Christian Kokoriko, explained that the initiative was born out of a deep-seated passion for nurturing the hidden potentials of the youth. He noted that while this particular competition was instituted specifically to honor Character (Engr.) Izibaye Sorgwe, the LCCI’s impact extends to various annual sporting activities across both Rivers and Bayelsa States.
“Without God in your life, all your labour is in vain. In all that you do, you must first reverence God; He is the giver and taker of life, and the source of all talents and potentials,” Kokoriko remarked. He further emphasized that the essence of the competition is to honor and praise God while simultaneously uncovering musical gifts within the student community, promising that it will remain an annual fixture to celebrate the contributions of Character (Engr.) Izibaye Sorgwe, a patron of the LCCI.
In his remarks, the host and Director of Treasure Jireh International School, Character (Engr.) Izibaye Sorgwe, expressed his profound gratitude to the participating schools for their attendance. He thanked the LCCI leadership for choosing his institution to host the inaugural edition, describing Christian songs as symbolic tools for reflection and gratitude for God’s benevolence. He added that the continuity of this competition would play a vital role in identifying and harnessing the vast, untapped talents of students for productive purposes throughout the state.
The event reached its climax with an enthusiastic awards ceremony. Treasure Jireh International School, Igbogene, emerged as the overall winner, taking home the coveted trophy and cash prizes. Ebivico Early Foundation School secured the position of first runner-up with a cash award, while other outstanding participants were encouraged with various consolation prizes.
