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| CAC Youth Director, Pastor Samson O. Gbuyiro presenting cash gift to Praise Olofinlade |
By 'Gbenga Bankole
It was a memorable day of history for Praise Olofinlade on Friday July 22, 2023 at the grand finale of 2023 Academic Stars' Summit as he emerged the winner of Talent 3D Project organised by the Directorate of Christ Apostolic Church Youth Fellowship.
The Talent 3D Project, which is the initiative of the Capacity Building and Empowerment Team of CAC Youth Fellowship, is a music talent hunt programme targeted at raising new stars in the gospel music industry in Nigeria.
Six contestants made it to the final after the preliminary stages which had many contestants.
Out of the six participants, Praise Olofinlade of CACYOF, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, and of Mass Communication Department emerged the winner with 54 votes. He performed the song "Alagbawi" which he composed. Ayodele Temitope from University of Lagos came 2nd with 32 votes, Oluwadare Toyin from Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma came 3rd with 9 votes, Adebayo Precious from University of Lagos came 4th with 2 votes and Adebayo Aduragbemi from Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma came fifth with 1 vote. All the six contestants were given undisclosed amount of money.
Director of Youth Affairs, CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samson O. Gbuyiro said all the six contestants who made it to the final will be sponsored to jointly do an album in a studio by the fellowship and it will be dedicated at next year Academic Summit.
He added that; "we want a combination of their uniqueness to give birth to what will go places, to the glory of God. Each of them will be one of our guest artistes during the 2023 International Youth Conference."
In an exclusive chat with CAC News, Praise Olofinlade who was overwhelmed with joy said he is so marvelled and shocked, never thought he could win because this was his first attempt.
"This is my first time trying to attempt any contest. I have been used to having this weird feeling about myself being inferior to others, even though I can do it better. Something encouraged me this time and with God's backing, I did," he explained.
On what the future holds for him in the Nigerian gospel music industry, he said; "with the help of God, I see the gathering of a rising generation with full force to take over nations which I strongly believe I am one of them and I know that with His help I would do more exploit and take over kingdoms and territories for Him in Jesus name (Amen)."
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