The Lagos State Archdiocesan Council of Lectors (ADC) has successfully concluded its 18th annual Quiz Competition—an event increasingly regarded as a benchmark for youth intellectual engagement within the Catholic Church in Nigeria. Held at the Catholic Church of the Ascension in Ikeja, the competition brought together 100 participants from 20 deaneries across the Lagos Archdiocese, reinforcing the Church’s growing investment in faith-based education and youth capacity development.
Lekki Deanery emerged as the overall champion, securing first position in a tightly contested final that saw Ikeja and Island Deaneries clinch second and third places respectively. In addition to the main quiz, ancillary events including the Sword Drill and Spelling Bee were integrated into the program to test scriptural speed, biblical knowledge, and linguistic precision. Iba Deanery won the Sword Drill category, while Surulere Deanery claimed victory in the Spelling Bee, highlighting the multidimensional nature of the competition.
Each deanery was represented by a team of five, with only three advancing to the finals—a selection process designed to ensure high standards of preparation and representation. Organizers noted that the structure of the event mirrors a broader institutional strategy to promote excellence, discipline, and spiritual leadership among Catholic youths.
Rev. Fr. Madubuko Somtoochukwu, who played a key role in overseeing the event, commended the participants not only for their knowledge but also for their conduct. “The level of decorum and sportsmanship displayed today was remarkable,” he said. “Even in a competitive environment where not everyone can win, these young people carried themselves with dignity and mutual respect. That speaks volumes about the kind of leadership we are nurturing.”
Fr. Somtoochukwu emphasized that the Church is actively adapting its outreach to meet the realities of modern youth culture. “We cannot ignore the fact that today’s young people are deeply engaged with social media and digital platforms. As a Church, we must create spaces—both physical and virtual—where they can engage with Scripture in meaningful, interactive ways,” he stated.
He further positioned the Bible as not only a spiritual guide but also a practical manual for personal and professional success. “The Bible is not an outdated religious text. A young person who studies the Book of Proverbs, for instance, gains wisdom on financial discipline, ethical decision-making, and relationship management. These are life skills that translate into career advancement and personal development. We are teaching our youths that reading the Bible isn’t just about knowing God—it’s also about becoming successful, responsible, and values-driven citizens.”
The ADC’s annual quiz is increasingly being seen as part of a larger ecosystem of faith-based youth development programs aimed at curbing moral drift and disengagement among young Catholics. By combining competition with catechesis, the Church is leveraging gamification and peer learning to deepen scriptural retention.
Richard Edi, President of the Board of Lectors, described the 18th edition as one of the most competitive and innovative in the event’s history. “We recorded five categories of winners today, and the level of participation was exceptional,” Edi said. “What made this year unique was the introduction of new elements, including the use of the Misal—the liturgical book containing Mass readings—as a primary reference in certain quiz segments. This is the first time we’ve done this, and it marks a shift toward integrating liturgical knowledge with scriptural mastery.”
He confirmed that Lekki Deanery took first place, Ikeja Deanery (the host) placed second, and Island Deanery came third. “We also had outstanding performances in the Spelling Bee and Sword Drill, where Surulere and Iba Deaneries respectively excelled. The coordination was seamless, the turnout impressive, and the spirit among the youths was electric.”
Edi added that the success of the event reflects strong organizational planning and stakeholder buy-in. “This isn’t just a religious event—it’s a well-coordinated program with logistical, educational, and developmental components. We appreciate every participant, every coordinator, and every volunteer. As an institution, we are committed to sustaining this momentum. We’re already preparing for the 19th edition next year, with plans to expand participation and possibly introduce digital engagement tools.”
Beyond its religious significance, the ADC Quiz Competition is emerging as a model for faith-based youth engagement in Nigeria, demonstrating how religious institutions can play a proactive role in human capital development. In an era where youth unemployment and moral disengagement remain national concerns, initiatives like this offer a template for combining spiritual formation with intellectual empowerment.
The event not only strengthened inter-deanery unity but also reinforced the Catholic Church’s role as a key stakeholder in youth development. As religious organizations increasingly seek relevance in public life, the ADC’s approach—blending competition, education, and technology—offers a replicable framework for fostering disciplined, knowledgeable, and morally grounded young leaders.
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