The morning air was crisp, tinged with anticipation, as AllStars Foundation College prepped for departure. At the school gate, two sleek black luxury buses gleamed under the rising sun like a crown jewel. Inside, 30 senior students—15 boys and 15 girls, all prefects included bustled with energy. Each had earned their spot through excellence, influence, or sheer force of personality.
Decked in crisp school travel polos, they looked less like students and more like a national team ready for victory. As the bus rolled past the school gates, energy surged.
Then one voice cracked the silence—bold and loud. Soon, it became a chorus of pride:
"We shine, we soar, we're built to lead,
AllStars rise, we plant the seed.
In truth, in strength, we walk the line,
With heart and brain, we always shine.
From halls of gold to future wide,
We wear the stars, we wear our pride! ⭐✨"*
Claps, laughter, and snapping cameras filled the bus. The anthem bounced off the windows, hearts thumping to its rhythm. This was their moment—the first step toward GYCF Abuja.
Seven hours later, the bus curved past the welcoming arch of the capital city. Gasps erupted.
The festival grounds were massive, a sea of flags from over 20 countries fluttering in the breeze. Students poured in—some in suits, others in traditional attire, a few just buzzing with excitement. Huge banners screamed:
"Global Youth Connect Festival 2025: Innovate. Inspire. Impact!"
Gigantic LED screens flashed welcome messages, and uniformed guides waved lanyards, directing schools toward registration. Music thumped from a stage being tested in the far corner.
"This isn't just a festival," whispered one of the girls, awe-struck. "This is a whole world." 🌍
With backpacks and duffel bags in tow, the AllStars students marched to registration, each receiving a tag with a serial number. Once done, they were ushered into the grand auditorium, an open space so massive it could house millions.
The stage was monumental, elevated high with giant screens so everyone could see.
AllStars looked around, wide-eyed. Their presence immediately caught the attention of other students:
"Wait… they've never been here before?"
"Are they lost?"
"Their vests are lit, though!"
"Who are these pumpkins?"
"Is that… ASF?" 😎
Peace's eyes lit up the moment she spotted her cousin. She dashed over, waving excitedly.
"Hiiiiii!" she squealed to MideFlex.
"Royal Academy is here already?" he said, amused.
"Yep, you guys are slow," she mocked.
Oscar stepped forward, jaw tight. "And you are?" he demanded, eyes sharp.
"Peace Adeniran," she replied, locking eyes with him.
"His sister?" BigDave whispered.
"Nope, cousin. Nice to meet you all," she said politely.
BigDave raised an eyebrow.
"You must be the head boy. You look as big as your name!"
"Thanks," he smiled.
MideFlex asked, "How do we get our loads settled?"
"We wait," Peace's cousin said, shrugging. "Everyone's still handling theirs. Oh, and did you bring my lollipop?"
He grinned and pulled out three lollipops from his cross bag.
"Thank you! See you later, have fun!" she said, skipping away.
"Wow… she didn't even greet me," Lolade muttered.
"I wondered too. Are you guys fighting?" MideFlex asked.
"I don't think so…"
"Think?" he teased, curious. 😏
Suddenly, a mic shout pierced the air:
"HELLO LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WELCOME TO GYCF 3.0!" 🎤🎆
It was the MC—the one and only Zion Vierre, a Nigerian-American entertainment titan turned global show host.
Zion Vierre (ZV) was legendary:
Gold standard of hosting, multilingual, magnetic. He had hosted royal families, tech billionaires, and global summits
Only MC with a hosting fee surpassing $200 million 💸 He was Famous for entrances announced by drones or digital archways of his achievements
In a handwoven velvet Agbada, he commanded the stage effortlessly.
"ARE WE READY?" he roared. Students screamed back.
"GATHER AND TELL A STRANGER WELCOME TO GYCF!" he ordered. Smiles and laughter erupted as they obeyed.
"I'M ZV," he said, "your MC for this festival. Somebody say… VZ!"
"VZ!!!" voices erupted, mostly girls over boys, echoing across the auditorium.
He continued, explaining room assignments, schedules, and tour plans. Students buzzed at the thought of tomorrow's conference and the grand showcase night.
"And yes," ZV said, reading their minds, "you'll get a chance to perform. Dance, voice, music, poetry—bring it on stage and impress the judges. This is your StudTist 3.0 Award, the ultimate recognition for youth talent. Optional… but really, you NEED to do it." 🌟🏆
A thunderous cheer followed, and as ZV exited, students hurried to their hotels, hearts racing.
In Room XR255-300
Gift, AraBaddie, Lolade, ZaraBliss, and Khadijat were together.
"Not bad," Gift said, smiling as she entered.
"Classic hotel vibes," ZaraBliss admired, rushing for a bed.
"I call the edge!" she shouted, claiming it.
The others followed, leaving Khadijat with the last spot near the door. 😬
AraBaddie raised an eyebrow. "Hope you're not pissed?"
"I'm not," Khadijat replied, but inside, she simmered.
Scholarships were her main goal—nothing more. And though her Royal Academy colleagues were sure to tease her, she had no choice but to play along.
Still, she wasn't pissed… not yet.