The Dr. Osahon Enabulele Foundation hosted the semi-final of its Secondary Schools Debate Competition for the Edo South Senatorial District, where twenty (24) speakers from eight (8) schools took part in the contest. The event brought together students, educators, and local government representatives from all seven LGAs in Edo South Senatorial district. This initiative is part of the Foundation’s educational initiatives, aimed at promoting intellectual development, encouraging civic engagement and public speaking, and fostering leadership qualities and critical thinking. Dr Osahon Enabulele, Past President of the World Medical Association, emphasized the importance of striving for excellence in their academic pursuits and urged students to remain focused and resilient in pursuit of their dreams. The competition featured heated debates on the topic “Social media has a detrimental effect on the intellectual capacity and mental health of teenagers”, with the students demonstrating impressive teamwork and intellectual depth. In a keenly contested event, St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School emerged as the overall winner, while Idia College and St. Michael College clinched 2nd and 3rd positions, respectively. The high point of the event was the presentation of award prizes to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placed winners. Certificates were also presented to top-performing speakers, and their teachers received certificates of participation. Among dignitaries at the event were Senator Neda Imasuen, Hon. Murphy Omoruyi, Education officials and other stakeholders. Dignitaries as well as participants lauded the Foundation for organizing the competition to nurture and develop the talents inherent in students. In a goodwill message, the Proprietor of Gilgal Education Centre, Mr Godson Ofure, who described the programme as inspiring, appreciated the Foundation for teaching youths to pursue their dreams through legitimate means. The competition is part of a state-wide inter-school debate series, continuing across other LGAs to nurture leadership and hone intellectual and cognitive skills in students.
