Lagos Govt. backs DebateChamps initiative, eyes global opportunities for youth

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth development, critical thinking and global competitiveness among students.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, gave the assurance on the sidelines of the just-concluded maiden Lagos DebateChamps Competition held in Victoria Island.

Ogunlende described the competition as a laudable initiative capable of equipping young people with skills required to thrive in an increasingly competitive global environment.

“This is a commendable initiative moving in the right direction. Government cannot do it alone; therefore, supporting private efforts that empower young people remains essential,” he said.

According to him, partnerships between government and private organisations are necessary to expand opportunities for young people and strengthen platforms that nurture future leaders.

“When individuals invest in developing young people, government must support them. Such collaboration will make these programmes bigger, better and brighter for participants,” he said.

The commissioner said the state government would continue collaborating with the organisers to scale up competition and provide wider opportunities for students to compete and excel globally.

“We will continue working together to expand this platform and create opportunities for our young people to thrive, compete and excel successfully on the global stage,” he said.

Ogunlende commended the conveners, Bukunmi Babatunde and Halimat Usman, for the initiative and also applauded DebateChamps and the Harvard Debate Council, USA, for their partnership and commitment to youth development.

The Newsmen reports that students from 19 junior and senior secondary schools in the six education districts of Lagos State participated in the competition organised by DebateChamps and Harvard Debate Council (U.S.).

The senior category of the competition was won by Wellspring College, Omole, while Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikeja emerged the first runner-up.

In the junior category, British International School, Victoria Island, clinched first position while Grace High School, Gbagada, finished as the first runner-up.

The panel of judges identified 20 outstanding speakers – 10 each from the senior and junior categories.

The organisers rewarded them with medals and cash prizes.