As part of sustained efforts to promote Biblical literacy and moral development among young people, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Manassah Jatau, has again staged the annual Bible Quiz Competition for youths drawn from across the different churches under the Degri-Kulani-Sikkam Ward in Balanga Local Government Area.

Arewa PUNCH reports that the competition, which has been sustained for decades, was organised to inculcate the habit of Bible reading in the hearts of youths and prepare them for future leadership anchored on godly values.

This year’s edition took place at ECWA Church, Gurma, Kulani, and featured six Local Churches Councils from Putoki/Sikkam/Sikkam Ward with clerics from Gombe and within the area in attendance at the event.

Addressing participants and guests, the Deputy Governor said the Bible quiz was designed to inject the culture of studying the scriptures among youths so they can grow in the knowledge of the word of God and live lives pleasing to Him.

According to him, the competition also aims to foster cohesion, unity and harmony among youths and across different Christian denominations by emphasising the Gospel of Jesus Christ rather than denominational differences.

However, he expressed displeasure over the non-attendance of some denominations at the event and urged the organisers to ensure wider participation by inviting all churches in the area in subsequent editions.

“There is generally poor performance recorded at the 2025 edition and I call on participants to be more serious and committed ahead of next year’s competition,” he added.

Despite the concerns, he commended the organisers, clergymen and guests for their continued support, noting that Bible quiz competitions are vital in shaping disciplined, knowledgeable and morally upright youths.

He stressed that such initiatives help today’s youths develop critical thinking, “strengthen their faith, imbibe godly character, resist negative social vices and prepare them to become responsible leaders in society,” he added.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of ECWA Waja District Churches Council, Rev. Habila Jidda, and the Senior Pastor of ECWA Church, Gurma, Rev. Danladi Usman, appreciated the Deputy Governor for creating a platform that allows youths to tap their potential through the study of the Bible and the pursuit of upright living.

They observed that although the Deputy Governor is not a pastor, his commitment to organising the Bible quiz competition demonstrates genuine concern for spiritual growth in the area. Therefore, they called on pastors and church leaders to support the initiative to ensure it achieves greater impact across the community.

At the end of the competition, Dong LCC emerged first, Kulani LCC came second, while Putoki LCC placed third. The winners received cash prices, while other participating teams went home with consolation prizes.

This year’s competition focused on the Book of Ecclesiastes and current affairs, while the next edition is expected to cover the Book of Revelation and current affairs. (The PUNCH)