Delta students have made history by winning the 2025 National Basic Education Debate Championship, earning the right to represent Nigeria at the World Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar.
The team, comprising Wisdom Chukwuma of Government College, Ughelli; Otorvo Uyoyou of Alegbo Secondary School, Effurun; Abraham Honour of Okpaka Secondary School, Okpaka; Ekhamateh Splendour of Government Model Secondary School, Asaba; and Alika Daniel of Utagba-Ogbe Grammar School, Kwale.
The team showcased exceptional oratory skills, critical thinking, and teamwork.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori praised the students’ intellectual depth and eloquence, describing them as true ambassadors of the State.
He emphasised the importance of education, highlighting his administration’s commitment to investing in schools, teacher training, and extracurricular activities.
This historic achievement marks a significant milestone in Delta State’s educational advancement efforts under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Receiving the students at Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday, Governor Oborevwori described their victory as a testament to his administration’s unwavering commitment to education.
“I am truly delighted by the intellectual depth and eloquence demonstrated by these students. They are true ambassadors of Delta State”.
“This win proves that our investments in education through school renovation, teachers recruitment and training, provision of instructional materials, and promotion of extracurricular activities are yielding tangible results.
“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,” he said.
The Governor noted that their success would further inspire his administration to deepen investments in the educational sector.
“Representing Nigeria on the global stage means you have already made us proud. Winning the national debate confirms we are on the right path. It motivates us to do even more for our children,” he added.
The governor announced that the state government would fully sponsor the students’ trip to Qatar.
He charged the students to be of good conduct, listen to their coaches, and seize the opportunity to learn and grow from the international exposure.
“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 prayed.
Reiterating the state’s can-do spirit, Oborevwori assured the team of their potential for global success, saying, “Delta no dey carry last.
“You are champions already, and I believe you will achieve even greater things at the world competition. This debate is not just an event, it is a foundation for your future”.
The governor also commended the students’ parents for their support and upbringing, urging the team to make their families and the state proud.
“You are the ambassadors of this state. The future lies in your hands. With the right training and support, there is no limit to what you can achieve.
”I wish you journey mercies and pray that you will return with victory. You have started well and you will finish well, in Jesus’ name, ” he said.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibuogwu, congratulated the students for being worthy representatives of the state, commending their stellar performance at the national level.
The team leader, Chukwuma Wisdom, thanked the governor for his support and encouragement, assuring that they would make Delta and Nigeria proud at the world stage.
The National Basic Education Debate Championship, organised by the President’s Schools Debate,
brought together top young debaters from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The competition aimed to promote critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork among students.
