The First Lady of Lagos State, Her Excellency Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu had posited in her remark at the grand finale of year 2024 Ikorodu division
Inter-school Debate held at LASUSTECH that the debaters with their impressive gesticulations and eloquence reminded her of her days as a secondary school student.
Newsconnect reports that Ibijoke just like bulk of participants at the debate competition organised by KAODWAD in partnership with Ikorodu Local Government had their feet swept up with the rousing presentation of the debaters.
Chief speakers and their supporters from Government Senior College Ikorodu and Elepe Community Senior High School, Ikorodu exhibited their eloquence, thinking ability and articulation skills before Lagos State First lady, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu Oba Kabiru Shotobi, Former Deputy Governor Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Former Head of Service Bashorun Babatunde Rotinwa, member Lagos State House of Assembly Gbolahan Ogunleye, Saheed Ibikunle ably represented Senator Tokunbo Abiru among others.
The First Lady in her words, said;
“As stakeholders, we must begin to passionately advocate for the kind of Education that will prepare these students to be academically excellent. We must begin to help develop them very young, acquire the right skills to be competitive in various sectors and be champions globally.
“Kudos to to the participants that debated now, they just reminded me of when I was in Secondary school when we use to make fun of those who are in the literary and debating society, when I saw these students saying these things today, my head got swollen.
“I therefore urge you to strive hard to make your parents and the entire state proud through your acts and dedication to studies. This will further motivate us to fulfill our mission of raising young individuals and quality leaders”. She said.
The Ayangburen of Ikorodu Oba Kabiru Shotobi while giving his remarks said “If we on the high table have not gone through all these process, we will not be where we are today. That is why we are preparing you for the future. We are preparing you down for what the world holds for you”. Kabiyesi said.
The former Deputy Governor Lagos and APC chieftain in Ikorodu Divisions Prince Rotimi Ogunleye having greeted all stakeholders at the event during his remarks session said;
“I want to acknowledge the job that has been done by the Chairman. I have listened to our children’s debate, I saw how they articulated their points to me it is a proper sign that we have given proper training to them. By the time they grow up they will have that confidence to put their opinions across.
‘The teachers we thank you for the training you have given them. My advice is that this program should continue the way it started, this is the second edition, I give kudos to the Chairman. When you leave next year, you should ensure somebody taking over from you to continues this work”. He said .
The Head of Education and Library Studies in Ikorodu local government Adedeji Owolabi expressed his excitement in an interview with Newsconnect at the event. He said ;
“I feel so so happy, because we have gone through stages. From the preliminary stages, to the quarter final, semifinal and here we are at the grand finale. I feel so happy that the Education department is part of this wonderful journey”.
In terms of sustainability of the program he said it depends on the political will of the Chairman.
“We believe whenever we advise such a person, he will always do the needful. This is a laudable project, it will not just end this year. As soon as we are done today, we will go back to the drawing board to start planning for next year”. He said.
The Chairman Honourable Wasiu Ayodeji Adesina said in his welcome speech at the event that
“Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and communities. As the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, I am deeply passionate about the Education sector and firmly believe in its capacity to inspire positive changes.
“Our administration has made the improvement of Public Schools a key priority, as we strive to ensure that every child regardless of background has access to quality education. We are investing not only on infrastructure but also in programs that ignite intellectual curiosity and creativity in our young minds.
“This debate competition is one of such initiatives, designed to sharpen the reasoning, eloquence and critical thinking of our students. It is part of our broader vision to create a culture of academic excellence in our public schools.
“The first position will go home with 500,000 only with a laptop, second position will go with 300,000 and a laptop the third position will Gey 200,000 and a laptop”.
He urged everyone also to keep in mind that the real victory lies not in winning or losing , but in the process of learning and self improvement.
Elepe Community Senior High School came first, Government Senior College Ikorodu came second and got their respective prices ditto the third and fourth positions. The debate competition was among 15 secondary schools in Ikorodu divisions From Preliminary stages to quarter final, semifinal and then the grand-finale witnessed by the FIRST-LADY of Lagos State.