Hendrix Oliomogbe
Seeing the selected school kids across Edo State speaking frantically, gesticulating, prancing on the podium and trying very hard to outwit their opponents in the just concluded Senior Secondary Schools Debate, the lyrics of "The Greatest Love of All" by Whitney Houston, the celebrated American pop diva, readily comes to mind.
Hear the songstress: "I believe the children are our future/Teach them well and let them lead the way/Show them all the beauty they possess inside/Give them a sense of pride to make it easier/Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be/Everybody searching for a hero/People need someone to look up to..."
At the end of the keenly contested competition which kick-started on May 25, 2025 at Egor Local Government Area Secretariat, Uselu, Benin City, Edo State, Eghosa Anglican Grammar School in the Edo State capital came out top and its efforts were rewarded with a princely sum of N1 million and a trophy.
Idia College College, also based in Benin was adjudged the second best and got a sum of N500,000 while third placed Annunciation Catholic College ACC), Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area got N300,000.
Thirty promising pupils from ten schools from the three Senatorial districts of Edo North, Central and South huddled at the auditorium of John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) Hall, Benin City venue of the finals of the competition, which was organized by the Dr. Osahon Enabulele Foundation (DOEF).
The schools from Edo North were Uzebba Grammar School and Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongida Ora all in Owan West Local Government Area; and Fugar Mixed Secondary School, Etsako Central Local Government Area; while Edo Central had ACC); Igueben Grammar School; and Timzy International Educational Centre.
Watching the teenagers blasting away and verbally tearing at each other during the debate, which was tagged the "2025 Dr. Osahon Enabulele Foundation Debate Competition for Secondary Schools in Edo State", one could hardly believe that they were secondary school pupils. The topic: "In the Context of Nigeria's Socio-economic and Developmental Realities, Do You Agree With Those Who Say Education is a Scam".
While the winner and second best schools marshalled points to prove that education is the right way to go for development, ACC students vigorously kicked against, insisting that going to school is all trouble and no longer worth it, considering the fact that hippies, school dropouts and uneducated people presently bestride the Nigerian world like colossi.
Getting emotional, President of the Foundation, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, a former president of the World Medical Association (WMA) confessed that if he had his way, all the participants would have won, quickly adding however that a completion of this nature doesn't give room for a draw as a winner must emerge.
All participants were presented with Certificates of Participation, books and other sundry items with the outstanding speakers going home with cash prizes ranging from between ₦100,000 and ₦200,000.
The ex-President of the Commonwealth Medical Association said that the debate is totally driven by the Foundation as a deliberate interventionist initiative that seeks to reverse the worrisome negative narrative about education, particularly amongst young and upcoming generations, including youths who are increasingly becoming victims of society's defective role modelling and unfortunate reward for individuals with very questionable sources of wealth.
Dr. Enabulele wailed: "Our younger ones are truly becoming disillusioned as a result of these inanities. Some no longer think it is worthwhile to acquire education or task their brains in any way.
"This debate initiative is therefore our Foundation's committed efforts to contribute to the reversal of this worrisome trend and mindset affliction."
He said that the competition has continued to nurture future leaders and scholars, with emerging winners presented with awards and recognition, while participants benefit from networking opportunities and skill development.
Sounding optimistic, Dr. Enabulele noted that the competition has continued to nurture future leaders and scholars, with emerging winners presented with awards and recognition, while participants benefit from networking opportunities and skill development.
Overwhelmed, the best debater, Delta State Miss Isabella Okotie from Eghosa Anglican Grammar School said that the award meant a lot to her and will spur her to reach higher.
The award winning student said that with his strings of achievements and decorations, Dr. Enabulele easily comes as her hero and hoped to follow in his footsteps.
Senator Roland Owie, who attended the ceremony along with former Edo State House of Assembly member, Mr. Pascal Ugbomhe, commended the former president of the Nigeria Medical Association for the initiative.
As High Chief Justin Imoudu aptly summed up: "Dr. Enabulele has set a shining example for Edo youths with the debating competition. He is bringing back the good old days of secondary school debate. For a better tomorrow, we must invest in our youths. They are the leaders of tomorrow and remind us how we used to be."
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