Five students from Delta State are set to fly to Qatar on July 1 to represent Nigeria at the Nigeria-Qatar Schools Debate Championship.
The students earned their place on the national stage after emerging champions at the President’s Schools Debate, a highly competitive contest featuring participants from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Their victory was a result of their exceptional oratory skills, critical thinking, and teamwork.
National Coordinator of the President’s Schools Debate, Dare Oritu, described the championship as part of a diplomatic education initiative between Nigeria and Qatar. “Delta is going to Qatar to represent Nigeria at the Nigeria-Qatar Schools Debate Championship. It’s a diplomatic programme between Nigeria and Qatar on education,” Oritu told The PUNCH on Thursday.
The 10-member delegation from Delta includes the five debaters and accompanying officials.
The students representing Nigeria are:
- Wisdom Chukwuma (Government College, Ughelli)
- Otorvo Uyoyou (Alegbo Secondary School, Effurun)
- Abraham Honour (Okpaka Secondary School, Okpaka)
- Ekhamateh Splendour (Government Model Secondary School, Asaba)
- Alika Daniel (Utagba-Ogbe Grammar School, Kwale)
While receiving the team at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori pledged full sponsorship for their trip to Qatar.
“Delta State is proud to sponsor your international trip without hesitation. We are equally committed to supporting other talented Deltans who can represent the state positively,” he said.
The governor urged the students to conduct themselves with dignity and bring back victory. “As you embark on this trip, we expect you to conduct yourselves honourably, learn as much as you can, and return with success. By God’s grace, you will come back victorious in Jesus’ name.”
He also noted that the achievement by the Delta students would serve as a further motivation for his administration to invest more in education.
“I am truly delighted by the intellectual depth and eloquence demonstrated by these students. They are true ambassadors of Delta State,” he said. “When I see children of this age speak so intelligently, I am very happy. These are not children trained abroad, they are homegrown talents, nurtured here in Delta State. It shows how much we value education.”
Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibuogwu, also congratulated the team, describing them as worthy representatives of the state.
Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr Samuel Mariere, commended the students and pledged further support. “The children have made Delta State very proud. We promise to give our best as we prepare for the World Championship,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Wisdom Chukwuma thanked Governor Oborevwori for his continuous support and promised that the students would make both Delta State and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
