Lagos, Nigeria: Leading telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria, has sponsored the third edition of the annual Teens Think Essay Competition, a leadership, educative, and interactive platform designed to build outstanding leaders with marketable digital and communication skills.

A student of African Church Model College, Lagos, Adenuga Adeniyi, emerged as overall winner and most outstanding student in the recently concluded competition. Adeniyi distinguished himself among 14 other finalists with his writing and presentation skills that judges described as remarkable, earn the student the prestigious title of national champion in the essay competition.
Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran said that Airtel Nigeria’s partnership with Think Teens Essay Competition is in line with the company’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for youth development across Nigeria. He explained that Airtel Nigeria recognizes education as crucial for building leadership skills among the youth towards a brighter future.
“At Airtel Nigeria, we believe in the potential of the younger generation. By supporting initiatives like the Teens Think Essay Competition, we aim to empower young minds with the knowledge and skills they need to become future leaders, hence, we are thrilled to be a part of this remarkable platform that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication,” Adeniran said.

Corroborating Adeniran’s remarks, e Founder, Teens Think, Mrs. Kehinde Olesin, added that, Teens Think strives to equip teenagers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the complexities of our multicultural world. “Through our programs, workshops, and mentorship, we empower young minds to be proactive agents of cultural integration. I am thrilled with the fantastic response that we received this year. It is heartening to see so many young people with a passion for writing and storytelling,” she said.

Teens Think competition has continued to grow in popularity among young scholars in the country leading to a high submissions received this year. Over 400 entries were received from all states of the federation. All 15 finalists were required to develop and present the topic: Cultural Integration and crossroads-The right path for 21st century teens.  This was followed by an intense evaluation process by a team of independent jurors.

Quest, Victory Gbakara, and Precious Mac, the top three contestants who emerged in this week’s show, performed memorably in the musical reality platform that would see the winner smiling home with mouthwatering prizes. The competition is getting tougher on the Bigi-sponsored Nigerian Idol Season 8 with the eviction of Ose Daniel and Goodness.

The three finalists competed in a live show themed the “Viewer’s Choice” as the finale of the show approaches. Each performed two songs—an unplugged version of some major hits music and one picked by their fans—during the show.

Before the stage performances began, the guest judge, Ikechukwu Eric Ahiauzu, better known as Ric Hassani, opened the show with a medley of his hits, including “Thunder Fire You” and “Amina,” to a standing ovation from the judges and the audience, who were spellbound by his performances.

His acts brought in Quest, the first contestant who performed “I Don Go” (IDG) by Asa.  The judges commended her performance. Obi Asika complimented her, “You have the right voice,” and Simisola Kosoko (Simi), agreed, “Incredible, it was wonderfully done.”  On his side, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo (D’Banj), praised her for the exciting performance. Quest also delighted the judges and audience on her second song, “Hello,” by Adele which was picked by her fans.

Hassani was mesmerized by Victory’s renditions of Wizkid’s “Blessed” and Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” lyrics as he stated, “I am delighted with your performance on stage,” and the singer responded, “I was excited when l learned that song was chosen for me.”

Simi expressed her excitement at Precious Mac’s rendition of Ayra Starr’s “Beggie Beggie”, saying, “She has a good voice and that was what brought her to the top 3. The other judges commended her singing and encouraged her to keep up the momentum because she has such great potential.

Precious Mac received a standing ovation from the judges and audience for her performance of Rihanna’s song “Diamonds.” D’Banj said, “You made us feel you,” while Hassani said, “I am proud of you. Along with others, Asika chimed in, stating her rendition was incredible and Simi, added, “That was amazing, it was stunning.”

In a show where the Rite Foods Bigi brand, with its 13 variants, is powering the discovery of young musical talents who would be developed to become superstars, the contestants are indeed doing their best to make it to the end.

Tune in every Sunday on GOtv Channel 11 (Magic Showcase) and DStv Channel 197.

On this week’s Glo-sponsored CNN African Voices Changemakers, Nigerian singing sensation, P-Square, will be featured as special guests.

The identical twin brothers opened their home studio doors to CNN’s Larry Madowo in Lagos, where they are working on their first studio album in more than 9 years. As a pair, Peter Okoye, well known as Mr. P and Paul Okoye known to his fans as Rudeboy, have been an entertainment sensation not only to fans in Nigeria but also globally.

Their hit songs, including Chop My Money, Bring It On, Beautiful Onyinye, E No Easy, Danger, Bizzy Body and several others have won several awards, including BET, KORA, MOBO, MTV Europe, Channel O music awards.

Equally, they have worked in partnership with international stars such as Sean Paul, Dave Scott, Akon and Rick Ross.

The duo will talk about their career, life, and the long route to reuniting after a breakup that nearly ended their flourishing career this Saturday at 9.30 p.m. A repeat will be aired on Sunday at 4.30 a.m. and at 7.30 p.m the same day.