Ogun Students Nab N4M Debate Prize

Ogun State Students Awarded N4 Million in Debate Competition Twelve students representing six schools in Ogun State have been awarded a tot...

Ogun State Students Awarded N4 Million in Debate Competition

Twelve students representing six schools in Ogun State have been awarded a total of N4 million in prizes at the inaugural edition of a debate competition. This competition was held in remembrance of Taibat Ademosu on the 10th anniversary of her passing.

The finalists, selected from six primary and six secondary schools across Ogun State, participated in the grand finale held at the Wosam Arena in Ago-Iwoye. The wife of the state governor, Bamidele Abiodun, presided over the event.

Primary School Category

The primary school category debated the topic: “Good home training is more important than education in achieving success in life.” The winners were:

• First Place: Omo Edumare Academy, Ago-Iwoye, represented by Osinowo Nasrat and Odumosu Elizabeth, received a grand prize of N1 million.

• Second Place: Wesley Primary School, Awa, represented by Paul Testimony and Adebisi Quyum, won N500,000.

• Third Place: Nawarudeen Primary School, Ago-Iwoye, represented by Sunday Kosirachi and Adekoya Praise, took home N300,000.

Secondary School Category

The secondary school category addressed the theme: “In the current age, the use of social media and digital tools does more good than harm.” The winners were:

• First Place: Beje High School, Ijebu-Igbo, represented by Omolekan Ruth and Adeyemi Victor, secured the top spot and received N1 million.

• Second Place: Molusi College, Ijebu-Igbo, represented by Sanni Nasiirudeen and Ajari Jonathan, emerged as the first runner-up, winning N700,000.

• Third Place: Abusi Odumare Academy, Ijebu-Igbo, represented by Olayiwola Damilola and Abubakar Darasimi, came in as the second runner-up with N500,000.

Other Participating Schools

Additional schools participating in the debate included:

• Imere Moslem School, Ago-Iwoye
• Ajebo Primary School, Oru
• Moslem Primary School, Awa
• Muslim High School, Ago-Iwoye
• Obanta Comprehensive High School, Awa
• Abobi Comprehensive High School, Ago-Iwoye

Governor's Wife Addresses Attendees

The Governor's wife highlighted the enduring legacy of the late Taibat Ademosu, describing her as a woman whose life was characterized by "touching lives, giving back to society, service to humanity, kindness, and love." She emphasized the Ogun State Government’s dedication to education and encouraged students to continue striving for excellence.

Convener's Remarks

Dr. Akinwande Ademosu, the convener of the event, explained that the debate was organized to honor his late mother’s commitment to making a positive social impact, particularly in the areas of education, health, and community development.

“The Taide Foundation, established in honour of our late mother, remains committed to bringing valuable changes to people and communities through support for education, healthcare and the well-being of rural and deprived groups,” he stated.

Call for Infrastructure Improvement

Dr. Ademosu also addressed the issue of inadequate infrastructure in public schools, appealing to well-meaning individuals to support the government’s efforts to rehabilitate schools and create conducive learning environments.

“We urge well-meaning individuals to help revamp our public schools. We did our bit recently by bringing back to life Omo Edumare Academy, Ago-Iwoye, whose facilities were virtually at ground zero," he said. "Many public schools are in bad shape, but they have students with great potential. These students need the right infrastructure and environment to thrive.”

Community Leader's Perspective

The Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdulrasaq Adenuga, remembered the late Ademosu as a selfless individual deeply dedicated to improving the lives of people in her community.

Guest Speakers Offer Guidance

The event also featured lectures by Anuoluwapo Awofisan, Adaora Mbelu, and Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, who served as co-chair of the ceremony.

• Awofisan urged students to prioritize honesty, integrity, and good character over the pursuit of fame, advising, “Work on your character rather than being obsessed with fame. Integrity, respect, honesty, and hard work are crucial to take you far in life.”

• Mbelu encouraged the students to be intentional about their choices and to cultivate their talents, stating, “You have to choose to be outstanding. Identify your skill set, be deliberate about your path, hone your skills and take your leadership journey seriously.”

• Ogbechie cautioned young people against the notion that “education is a scam,” emphasizing the importance of both learning and character for achieving success. “Take your education seriously. Good character is important, but you can’t discount education. Keep your eyes on the ball and don’t allow your background or environment to limit your resolve to succeed,” he said.

Taide Foundation's Initiatives

The event also showcased the Taide Foundation’s ongoing initiatives, including:

• Support for persons with disabilities and the less privileged.
• Renovation of schools.
• Establishment of the Ago-Iwoye Leadership and Development Centre.
• A scholarship and reward scheme for outstanding students.