The much awaited and widely discussed charity event, Night to Shine 2025, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation (TTF), Georgia, USA, to celebrate individuals with special needs, has come and gone. Since its inception in 2015, Night to Shine has been marked in various countries, and for the first time in Nigeria, the Tim Tebow Foundation granted Spiritans Sound Outreach the privilege of hosting the event. On the 7th of February 2025, the ceremony reached its grand crescendo, in keeping with TTF’s tradition of marking this event in one night every Friday before Valentine Day.
Night to Shine is a global prom-style celebration founded by the Tim Tebow Foundation to honour and uplift individuals with special needs. This unforgettable worldwide celebration is meant to serve as catalyst for churches to begin or enhance ministry for people with special needs, allowing the honored guest of Night to Shine and their families to be part of a church community where they feel welcomed, loved and supported. The event is hosted by churches worldwide, to create a joyful and inclusive environment where attendees, aged 14 and above, are treated like royalty. The evening features a red-carpet entrance, music, dancing, dinner, and other exciting activities, with every guest receiving a crown or tiara to signify their worth and dignity. Volunteers serve as companions, ensuring that each participant experiences love, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.
Night to Shine Lagos, Nigeria, 2025, lived up to expectations, leaving no stone unturnned. Although the activity was meant to take place in the evening, the TTF/Spiritans Sound Outreach collaboration was held during the day to quell the insecurity in the country. The turnout of the honored guests was outstanding, with five care homes in attendance. These included Iyaniwura Children Care Foundation, Abule Egba, Lagos; Magnificent Therapy Services, Yaba, Lagos; Pacelli School for the Blind, Surulere, Lagos; St. Mary Rehabilitation Centre, Ipetumodu, Osun State; and Ozanam Centre, Sango Otta, Ogun State, all accompanied by their caregivers.
75 special guests were crowned as kings and queens and celebrated alongside their parents and caregivers. Among others, in attendance were seven priests from the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, seven female religious, two Pentecostal pastors, and four Imams. The programme commenced with an opening prayer led by the parish priest of Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Ketu-Ijanikin, Ojo, Lagos.
The host of Night to Shine and founder of Spiritans Sound Outreach, Rev. Fr. Oluwafemi Victor Orilua, CSSp, officially opened the event with a heartfelt speech, expressing deep appreciation to the Tim Tebow Foundation for conceiving such a visionary and impactful initiative. He extolled TTF’s commitment to generosity and unflinching dedication to this incredible global movement. This was distinctively caught in his words, “Your dedication to spreading love and hope across the world is a shining example of what it means to serve humanity.” He expressed immense joy as Spiritans Sound Outreach joined TTF in this noble initiative, feeling honoured to participate in hosting an event that recognises individuals with special needs as equally gifted and full of potential. As an organisation dedicated to nurturing young talents, Spiritans Sound Outreach sees this collaboration as a platform to showcase abilities amidst disabilities.
Rev. Fr. Orilua encouraged society to reject segregation, discrimination, and stigmatization, stating, “In Nigeria, this event marks a turning point in how we view and embrace individuals with special needs. It is a call to action for all of us to create a society that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusion, and offers equal opportunities for everyone to shine. These amazing individuals are not defined by their challenges but by their unique gifts, talents, and contributions to our world.” He also commended the dedication and selfless service of the parents and caregivers of the special guests of honor.
Following Rev. Fr. Orilua’s speech, Princess Adekemi Lucy Adetuwo Olaniyi, founder of Luciano Global Development Initiative, joined in commending TTF and Spiritans Sound Outreach, stating, “I am honoured to be invited to this special occasion, the “Night to Shine “designed to celebrate children with special needs. Special thanks to Tim Tebow foundation, Georgia, USA, for considering Spiritans Sound Outreach worthy of hosting this landmark event here in Nigeria. I’m highly delighted to be a collaborator.” She went further to decry the state of the physically challenged individuals in Nigeria, reiterating and urging the federal government of Nigeria to take actions by implementing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, and to provide support to these individuals and their families, these steps are meant to cushion the effect of their condition. She buttressed that the mission of her organisation, a non-governmental outfit, is geared as well, towards the emancipation of the less privileged children, a goal closely symmetrical to the goals of TTF and Spiritans Sound Outreach.
“Our mission and goals are in tandem with this special event. This event is evident of the determination to shape the lives of these naturally affected children for a better future.” Mrs. Lucy enjoined the government of the day, the private sector and individual donors to actively participate in alleviating the plight of the less privileged in the society, as these persons are usually faced with myriads of issues of discrimination and stigmatization.
Notably, Night to Shine is entirely free for guests, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to spreading God’s love and celebrating the uniqueness of every individual. Since its launch in 2015, Night to Shine has grown into a worldwide movement, reaching thousands of people across more than 62 countries via 821 host churches. This event is commemorated in all 50 States of the United States of America.
The event’s impact extends beyond a single night, inspiring communities to embrace and support individuals with special needs throughout the year. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation adapted by hosting a virtual experience, ensuring that the spirit of the event remained alive. Today, with the return of in-person celebrations, Night to Shine continues to create unforgettable memories, promoting a culture of acceptance, joy, and faith. Through this initiative, the Tim Tebow Foundation reinforces the message that every person is deeply valued and loved.
Night to Shine, Lagos, 2025, flawlessly adhered to all TTF specifications, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience for the honoured guests. From face painting to shoe-shining stations, from receiving corsages and boutonnieres to basking in the euphoria of a limousine ride, every moment was filled with joy. Volunteers and other guests lined the aisles, cheering as the guests arrived, culminating in the crowning ceremony with crowns and tiaras.
Amidst the much-needed paparazzi, under the dazzling camera flashes, these remarkable individuals proudly wore their Night to Shine sashes and received their gifts with great excitement amidst hearty laughter. It was indeed a memorable event for the special guests and everyone who graced the occasion. The Tim Tebow Foundation has truly made a remarkable impact, and it is hoped that more organisations will follow suit by initiating similar projects to promote love, inclusion, and celebration for all.
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