OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA
On Wednesday, 10 June, secondary school pupils from various parts of Lagos State’s Education District I showcased outstanding debate abilities and analytical thinking during the 2026 Inter-Secondary Schools Debate Tournament held at the State Schools Complex in Alimosho.
Hosted and funded by the Joseph Adewole Youth Empowerment Foundation (JAYEF), in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the gathering had the theme "Brain Task" and aimed at motivating pupils to enhance their cognitive abilities, leadership qualities, and sense of civic responsibility.
In the under-18 division, six educational institutions discussed the topic: "Social media causes more damage than benefit for high school pupils in Lagos State."
Schools that took part were Abesan Junior High School, State Junior High School Alimosho, Alimosho Junior Grammar School, State Comprehensive Junior College, Shasha Community Junior Grammar School, and Community Junior Grammar School, Akowonjo.
In conclusion, Shasha Community Junior Grammar School was declared the top victor with 73.5 marks, whereas Community Junior Grammar School, Akowonjo, came in second place with 69 points.
The senior division included six schools discussing the subject: "Substance misuse among pupils stems from poor parental guidance rather than negative peer influence."
The rival institutions included Community Senior Grammar School, Ipaja; Jakande Estate Community Senior College, Abesan; Alimosho Senior Grammar School; State Senior High School, Alimosho; State Senior College, Alimosho; and Millennium Senior Secondary School, Egbeda.
Alimosho Senior Grammar School took top position, with Millennium Senior Secondary School coming in second.
Awards, participation certificates, and honors were given to the successful institutions as acknowledgment for their exceptional achievements.
During the inauguration event, Ambassador Joseph Olaoluwa Adewole, Chairman and Founder of JAYEF, referred to the discussion as one of the organization's key programs aimed at fostering young people's growth.
As he mentioned, the program extends past rivalry by offering a space for interaction, strengthening, and cultivating leadership skills within youth.
"We have toured over 400 educational institutions within Lagos State during the past four and a half years. During these interactions, we've acquired important understanding about the issues affecting youth and effective ways to guide their thoughts toward achievement, triumph, and meaningful life." he stated.
Adewole encouraged the students taking part to see themselves as upcoming leaders, emphasizing that their thoughts and efforts could make a beneficial impact on society.
On behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, Assistant Director of Education, Dr. Omoniyi Bolaji, praised the organizers for fostering value-driven learning and encouraging analytical skills in pupils.
She urged pupils to adopt what he referred to as the three fundamental elements of achievement: integrity, skill, and perseverance.
Your personality can unlock opportunities that credentials alone cannot," she stated. "Skill adds worth, whereas persistence enables you to tackle obstacles and reach your objectives.
Giving the keynote speech entitled "My Journey: From Modest Origins to Meaningful Leadership," Dr. Emmanuel Audu Ohwavborua, Chairman and Managing Director of Emmppek Farms Limited, recounted his personal journey of ascending from a humble beginning to achieving recognition as an engineer, businessman, and leader.
Based on his personal encounters, he encouraged pupils to harness the potential of their thoughts, emphasizing that each significant accomplishment starts as a concept.
"The most valuable resource a young individual has is neither wealth nor social ties, but their intellect. Your mental attitude shapes your future," he stated.
Ohwavborua also cautioned against exam fraud, online crimes, and substance misuse, encouraging pupils to adopt honesty, self-control, and lifelong education.
During individual conversations, Adewole and Ohwavborua highlighted the importance of an educational framework that encourages analytical reasoning, creativity, and real-world issue resolution.
They showed hope that programs like the yearly speech contest would foster a group of accountable and problem-solving leaders who can significantly impact Nigeria's growth.
The speech contest is an integral component of continuous initiatives undertaken by JAYEF along with its collaborators aimed at enhancing young people's involvement and promoting scholarly achievement within high schools throughout Lagos State.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
