St Paul’s Media

The 5th Edition of the St. Paul's Bible Quiz 2026 was successfully held at the Catholic Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan, bringing together 20 parishes from across the Archdiocese of Ibadan. Registration commenced at 9:30 a.m., followed by the opening prayer led by Rev. Fr. Valentine Obumkaneme, SSP.

The event was officially declared open by Rev. Fr. Desmond Shinshima, SSP, Superior of the Ibadan Community, who welcomed the participants and acknowledged the presence of distinguished guests, including the Regional Superior of the Society of St. Paul, Nigeria-Ghana Region, Rev. Fr. Joseph Kandachamkunnel, SSP; priests, religious from the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, sponsors, resource persons, and members of the Pauline communities. In his address, he encouraged participants to see the competition as an opportunity to deepen their love for Sacred Scripture and grow in the knowledge of God.

The quiz competition, coordinated by Quiz Master Bro. Adinnu Samuel and Br. Celsus Adol, featured five exciting rounds: 50/50, Passing Round, Deal or No Deal, Combo, and Quick Catch. Following keen competition and successive elimination rounds, ten parishes advanced to the finals. The contest reached an exciting climax with a tie between the Catholic Church of the Ascension, Bodija, and Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, University of Ibadan, before tie-breaker rounds determined the final rankings.

At the end of the competition, St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Ajobo, emerged as the overall winner, receiving the first prize of ₦150,000 and a trophy. St. Thomas Catholic Church, Agbowo won the second prize of ₦100,000, while Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, University of Ibadan, secured the third prize of ₦75,000. The Catholic Church of the Ascension, Bodija, placed fourth, receiving ₦50,000, while St. Richard Catholic Church, Jericho, finished in fifth place. Certificates and gifts were presented to all participating parishes and their resource persons in recognition of their commitment and participation.

The event concluded with closing remarks by Rev. Fr. Joseph Kandachamkunnel, SSP, who thanked God for the success of the programme and reflected on the growth of the St. Paul's Bible Quiz since its inception in 2022.

He expressed appreciation to the Archbishop of Ibadan, the clergy, religious, sponsors, participants, and all who contributed to the success of the fifth edition. He also encouraged all present to continue studying and living the Word of God.

The closing prayer was led by Rev. Fr. James Ede, SSP, followed by the final blessing from Rev. Fr. Joseph Kandachamkunnel, SSP, marking the successful conclusion of another memorable edition of the St. Paul's Bible Quiz.