The Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon Wasiu Adeshina today, flagged off the 3rd edition of the Annual Ikorodu Local Government Inter-School Debate competition among public secondary schools in the council area.
Three finalists of the 3rd Annual Ikorodu Local Government Secondary Inter-School Debate will be smiling home with One Million Naira worth of prize money at the Grand-finale of the competition that will hold later in the year.
In his opening remarks at the flag-off event, Adeshina highlighted the program’s focus on education and its goal was to instill confidence in public speaking among public secondary school students.
‘The local government will continue to support anything that promotes education within its area of jurisdiction’, he said.
Adeshina added that, ‘During the grand-finale of the competition, the overall winner will receive N500,000 naira, the first runner-up, 300,000 naira, while the third position will cash home the sum of N200,000 naira as gift from the local government’.
Giving an insight into the competition, Adeshina stated that, ‘this debate program started 2 years ago and I want to appreciate this organization for bringing intensive learning to our students’.
‘During the first edition of this program, a lot was put in to promote a successful outing of our students and I want to assure you that this year’s edition is going to surpass the first edition’.
Speaking further, he said, ‘What we are doing today or why we are doing this program is to instill a culture of confidence in our students to allow them to have confidence in public speaking so that they can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their colleagues anywhere in the world’.
‘I want to urge the student to put in their best efforts during the final program we want our Special Guest of Honor to see that we are producing brilliant students within the Division’.
He concluded by thanking the teachers for their tireless efforts in training the students.
The inter-school debate competition is a partnership between
Kaodwad and Associates, in collaboration with Ikorodu Local Government.
The competition, it was gathered is aimed at promoting education, public speaking skills, and confidence among participants.
Kaodwad’s Executive Director, Alhaji Yinka Owodunni, Director of Media Madam Taofiqat, and other members of Kaodwad and Associates were present to outline the debate rules. The rules emphasized respect, no bullying or foul language, adherence to time limits, and respect for judges’ decisions.
Shortly after the official flag-off ceremony, a total of eight (8) public secondary schools slugged it out among themselves in the first round of the competition.
Some of the participating students shared their experiences with Ikorodu Oga Radio.
Adigun Zainab, a student at Odogunyan Senior Grammar School, encouraged students to “be confident and be fearless.” Arenekhai Grace, from Lagos State Civil Service, emphasized developing moral values for public speaking and using proper English Language.
Akintola Goodluck, a student at Luwasa Senior High School, praised the program for boosting his confidence and knowledge.
The debate program has become a staple in Ikorodu’s educational calendar, providing a platform for students to showcase their skills and grow into effective public speakers.
Some of the distinguished personalities who graced the ceremony were, the Vice Chairman Ikorodu, Hon. Folashade Olabanji-Oba, Leader of the House, Hon. Adebowale Adebola you and the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon Lateef Afinnih.
Others were, APC Chieftains,.Alhaji Lamidi Folohunsho, APC Lagos East Woman Leader, Mrs Oshinowo, Alhaji Ganiu Shittu and Alh Longe among others.
