Elepe Senior Grammar School triumphed as the winner of the 2024 Annual Interschool Debate Competition for Public Secondary Schools in Ikorodu.
The grand finale, held at the Lagos State University Of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) on the 9th of October 2024, was graced by Lagos State’s First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who presented cash prizes and laptops to the victorious schools.
The event, organized by Ikorodu Local Government in collaboration with Kaodwad and Associates, showcased 3 weeks of rigorous intellectual engagement and critical thinking by students from public secondary schools across the division.
Hon. Wasiu Adesina, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, emphasized the importance of fostering academic excellence, stating that the debate competition is part of a broader vision to enhance education in the community.
“Win or lose, the 2024 Annual Interschool Debate Competition has led students from public schools in Ikorodu through a phase of academic growth that will keep them intellectually engaged and leave a lasting impression.”
“This event celebrates intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and effective communication—skills necessary for our students to excel in life,” Hon. Adesina remarked.
In her speech, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu highlighted the importance of educational initiatives such as the debate competition.
She praised the local government for organizing the event, which she described as a platform to boost students’ confidence and help them acquire essential skills for the future.
“Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to shape the future. Programs like this give our children the tools to contribute intellectually and prepare them for a bright future,” she said.
The First Lady urged students to continue striving for excellence and to make their families and Lagos State proud.
After the final rounds of the debates, Elepe Senior Grammar School claimed the first position with an impressive score of 76.3, winning ₦500,000 and a laptop.
Government Senior Model College came second with a score of 74.1, taking home ₦300,000 and a laptop, while Ipakodo Senior Secondary School secured third place with 70.0 points, receiving ₦200,000 and a laptop. Igbokuta Senior Model College finished in fourth place with a score of 68.5.
The competition received support from notable figures, including Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, who donated laptops; Ikorodu Federal Lawmaker, Rep. Babajimi Benson, MHR; and Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye, representing Ikorodu Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, who provided financial assistance.
Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom, commended the students for their outstanding performance, urging them to continue developing their skills and avoid negative influences such as drug abuse.
He also praised Hon. Wasiu Adesina for his contributions to education in the division.
Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, expressed satisfaction with the council’s performance and lauded the initiative for enhancing students’ learning abilities.
The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District II, Mrs. Anike Adekanye commended Ikorodu Local Government for its strides in education, noting that these efforts have produced some of the best students and teachers in Lagos.
One of the event’s highlights was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Hon. Wasiu Adesina by Mrs. Sanwo-Olu.
The award, created by Kaodwad & Associates, recognized Hon. Adesina’s leadership and significant contributions to education, particularly through his support of the debate competition.
In appreciation of the First Lady’s motherly role in fostering educational growth, Alhaja Rashidat Bello, APC Woman Leader in Ikorodu Division, presented Mrs. Sanwo-Olu with a special portrait.
The event was attended by key figures, including former Head of the Local Government Service Commission Alhaji Babatunde Tajudeen Rotinwa, Dr. Saheed Ibikunle, Hon. Adebowale Adebola, Alhaji Lateef Afini, and Chief Imam Jamiu of Oriwu Central Mosque, among others.
The 2024 Interschool Debate Competition has not only highlighted the brilliance of Ikorodu’s students but also reaffirmed the importance of continued investment in education by local and state governments.
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