Iganmode Grammer School, Ota of the Yewa/Awori region has emerged winner of the Rotary Statewide Public Schools Debate, with a total of 480 points, having defeated three other public schools from Ijebu, Remo and Egba educational Divisions.
The leader of the debate panel, Wale Adebowale, a staff of the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, announced the result of the keenly contested debate by public schools representing the educational divisions at the Grand finale held at the June 12 Cultural Center, Abeokuta.
According to Adebowale, other schools who participated in the debate titled: “With Modern Technology, Are We Better Off Than Our Forefathers,” including Ijebu Ode Grammar School Ijebu Ode, got 472 points, while Methodist High School, (private) Arigbajo secured 471 points just as 422 points were awarded to Christ The Redeemer College, (private) Sagamu.
The District Governor, Rotary Disrict 9110, Ifeyinwa Ejezie, who decorated the debaters including Phillips Davids, Ifekoya Okikiola and
Aderemi Rebecca presented a trophy and cash price of N100,000 to the winners, while N50,000 and 30,000 cash prizes were given to the first and second runner up winners, with other debaters from other participating schools awarded a cash price of N10,000 each in recognition of their performance.
Ejezie commended the Rotary Club of Abeokuta for putting up the initiative in furtherance to the Educational and Literacy mission of the club, adding that such platform would further equip participants with public speaking skills while testing their abilities to defend their convictions in healthy competitions.
Earlier in welcome address, the President, Rotary Club of Abeokuta, Rtn. Adijat Adeleye submitted that, “this gathering epitomizes our commitment to nurturing intellectual growth and encouraging thoughtful discussions among the bright minds of our community. In an age marked by rapid technological advancements, where innovation shapes the very fabric of our society, this debate holds a mirror to our progress. It challenges us to reflect on the transformative power of technology and evaluate how far we have come, and where we are headed in this digital era.”
Adeleye commended the partnership of the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in organizing the various rounds of the debate across the State, noting that Rotary remains propelled by the belief in the potential of every individual to create positive change, while empowering the young voices to articulate their thoughts and ideas.
She added that in addition to the awarded cash prices to the 12 participants from the four schools, the Club would sponsor their participation to the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy scheduled to hold January, 2024.
Also, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu lauded the club for its international standard at organizing the debate, saying that Rotary has a landslide record of complementing government efforts at impacting humanity.
Commenting on the topic of debate, Arigbabu noted that the discussion was apt at a time when technological innovation had affected all facets of human endeavours.
