Secondary school students in Bayelsa State have commended the League of Character Clubs International (LCCI) for its sustained commitment to talent discovery and youth development through faith-based initiatives.
The commendation was made on Thursday in Igbogene, Yenagoa, during the maiden edition of the Character (Engr.) Izibaye Sorgwe Christian Songs Competition for selected public and private secondary schools in the state.
Speaking on behalf of participating students, Miss Oluche Kennedy Fruitful of Treasure Jireh International School, Igbogene, and Miss Nwachukwu Melody Onyinyechi of Ebivico Early Foundation School, described the competition as an inspiring platform that demonstrates how talents can be deployed in service to God and humanity. They noted that gospel music is not only a viable career path but also a powerful means of worship and thanksgiving.
It was gathered that the LCCI, organisers of the event, is affiliated with the International Age of Character Clubs of the University of Science and Philosophy, Swannanoa, Waynesboro, Virginia, United States of America.
In his opening remarks, the President-General of the LCCI, Character (Dr.) Christian Kokoriko, said the competition was conceived out of the organisation’s passion for discovering and nurturing hidden talents among youths. He explained that beyond the annual Christian songs competition—instituted to honour Character (Engr.) Izibaya Sorgwe—the LCCI has also been involved in organising annual sporting activities across 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 said. “The essence of this Christian songs
competition among secondary schools in Bayelsa State is to honour and praise God, while also discovering musical talents among our children and students. It will be an annual event instituted by the LCCI to honour the good works of Character (Engr.) Izibaye Sorgwe, Director of Treasure Jireh International School and a patron of the LCCI.”
Also speaking, the host of the programme and Director of Treasure Jireh International School, Character (Engr.) Izibaye Sorgwe, expressed gratitude to the participating schools for honouring the invitation. He thanked the LCCI leadership for selecting his school to host the maiden edition, describing Christian songs as symbolic instruments for praising God and reflecting on His benevolence in human lives.
Sorgwe added that the annual competition would help to identify and properly harness the numerous untapped talents among secondary school students across the state for productive purposes.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of a trophy and cash prizes to the overall winner, Treasure Jireh International School, Igbogene; cash awards to the first runner-up, Ebivico Early Foundation School; and consolation prizes to other outstanding participants.
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