Ikorodu Senior High School won the inaugural edition of the inter-school debate competition for public secondary schools in the Ikorodu Division on Thursday.
The competition was organised by Ikorodu Local Government in collaboration with the NGO, Kaodwad and Associates (KA).
At Thursday’s grand finale, Ayangburen High School was named first runner-up, and Elepe Community Senior High School was named second runner-up.
The competition’s theme was: “The Okada ban on Lagos roadways has done more harm than benefit to citizens.”
While some schools advocated for the ban, others argued against it.
Mr Wasiu Adesina, Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, said at the grand finale that the council would do everything possible to help pupils achieve their academic aspirations.
Adesina stated that his government will ensure the continuation of the debate tournament in order to improve students’ communication abilities and boost their confidence.
He praised the NGO coordinator for collaborating with the council to organise the competition.
“We haven’t changed our promise to support our students’ academic development towards a great future.
“I congratulate all our competitors, especially the winners. I want to tell those who did not win today to work harder as tomorrow may be their turn,” he said.
Earlier, Alhaji Adeyinka Kazeem, Director, Kaodwad and Associate, stated that the competition was organised to make students more aggressive and to encourage them to read more and study various topics and current concerns.
He stated that the NGO had progressed from providing simply General Certificate of Examination (GCE) and university admission forms to organising debates to boost students’ communication abilities.
Also addressing, Mr Gbolahan Ogunleye, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ikorodu Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, vowed to do his best for education if elected.
Ayomide Oguneye, a student at the winning school, Ikorodu High School, thanked his professors and the debate organisers for allowing him to compete and represent his school.
“The debate is also to build our self-esteem, confidence and leadership skills,” he said.
For winning the competition, Ikorodu High School received N500,000 in cash, a desktop computer, and a laptop, while Ayangburen High School received N400,000 in cash, a desktop computer, and a laptop.
Elepe Community Senior High School, the second runner-up, received N200,000, a desktop computer, and a laptop computer.
