kakalistiq.com reports tht the serene atmosphere of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, (LASUSTECH) Staff Cooperative Event Center in Ikorodu was abuzz with excitement as the crème de la crème of society gathered to witness the grand finale of the 2024 Annual Inter-School Debate Competition for public secondary schools. The Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, graced the occasion as the special guest of honor, adding to the event’s prestige.
Dignitaries at the event include Lagos State Hoise of Assembly member, Ikorodu Constituency I, Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye; Tutor-General of Education District II, Mrs Anike Adekanye; Lagos APC Secretary, Dr. Jokomba; Former Lagos Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Occasion, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye. Others are the Auangburen of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Engr. Kabir Shotobi; Alhaji Babatunde Rotinwa, Senator Tokunbo Abiru (represented by Dr. Saheed Ibikunle) and Professor Ogunmuyiwa Okesanya, LASUSTECH Vice-Chancellor.
Organized by Ikorodu Local Government in collaboration with KAODWAD and Associates, the competition showcased the intellectual prowess of female finalists who engaged in a fierce battle of wits. Their eloquence, confidence, and articulation dazzled the audience as they debated critical societal topics with unmatched vigor.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu, in her remarks, expressed immense pride in the efforts of the teachers, whose dedication, she noted, was evident in the students’ remarkable performances. “Your commitment to shaping the minds of the next generation is clear from the brilliance displayed by these young girls,” she said, commending the educators for their vital role.
The First Lady also highlighted the significance of the event in nurturing public speaking and oratory skills among the students. “This platform is crucial in building self-confidence and preparing our youths for leadership roles,” she said, acknowledging the creativity and passion exhibited by the participants, particularly Peju Akinyemi, whose spoken-word poetry left a lasting impression.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu further emphasized the importance of discussing pressing societal issues, such as gender-based violence, even at the secondary school level. “It’s time we bring these topics to our schools so students can understand the dangers of gender-based violence and the importance of standing against it,” she added.
Speaking on the broader goal of education, the First Lady stressed the need for a forward-thinking approach, saying, “Education and literacy are instrumental strategies to secure the future of our children. We must leverage technology to enhance learning and ensure our young people are globally competitive.”
In a call to action for students, Dr. Sanwo-Olu urged them to focus on their studies, dreaming of a better future for themselves and for Lagos. “As students, you cannot afford to toy with your future. Whatever you can conceive, you can achieve it if you are determined to pay the price. Embrace modern technology and the tools it offers to enhance your creativity and critical thinking,” she advised.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards, where Elepe Senior High School emerged victorious, clinching the grand prize of ₦500,000 and a laptop. The first runner-up, and second runner-up, were awarded ₦300,000 and ₦200,000 respectively, alongside laptops.
The champions, Grace Onah and Temiloluwa Odutola from Elepe Community Senior High School, Ikorodu, supported the motion that “The woman is the major cause of domestic violence and not the man,” while the first runners-up, Adekoya Farida Ogooluwa and Olutoki Oyinkansola Grace from Government Senior Model College, Owutu Ikorodu, opposed the same topic. The second runners-up, Kevin Emmanuella and Fadiya Adedeji from Ipakodo Senior Grammar School, opposed the motion that “Nationwide protest is a preferable option to dialogue in addressing national issues.”
Dr. Sanwo-Olu closed her speech by reinforcing the Lagos State government’s commitment to quality education, saying, “We are working tirelessly to resolve the challenges in education through innovation, training, and closing learning gaps to ensure a brighter future for our children.”
In collaboration with traditional leaders, she reiterated the state’s focus on keeping youths away from the vices of drugs and cultism, emphasizing that no child in Lagos would be left behind in the quest for a better society.
