Delta State – NIGERIA – St. Augustine College has claimed victory in the 2026 Igbuzo Inter-School Debate Championship, a prestigious contest organised by the Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation (ONOF) to mark the birthday of its founder, Pastor Idowu Daniel Okeze.
The three-week-long competition, which featured 16 schools from across the Igbuzo region, provided students with a significant platform to showcase their intellectual capabilities. The event was not only a contest of words, but also a celebration of critical thinking, creativity, and extensive research, as participants engaged in thought-provoking debates on a range of topics.
The highly anticipated grand finale, held amidst palpable excitement, saw St. Augustine College face off against Omu Boys Secondary School in a tense and closely contested debate. At the end of the day, St. Augustine emerged victorious, with Omu Boys Secondary School taking the runner-up position. Prime Seeds of Abraham rounded out the top three.
The event was attended by a large audience of students, teachers, and community members, who praised the foundation’s commitment to fostering education and youth development in the region. Attendees expressed their admiration for the initiative, highlighting how it not only inspired academic excellence but also helped build confidence among the participating students.
Dr. Pat Adigwe, the Co-ordinator of the event and representative of Pastor Idowu Okeze, conveyed his satisfaction with the success of the programme. He noted that the debate competition, now in its second year, aims to discover and cultivate the next generation of intellectual leaders.
“We are providing a space for students to be meaningfully engaged, to sharpen their communication and analytical skills, and to build self-confidence,” Dr. Adigwe remarked. “This initiative is part of Pastor Okeze’s enduring commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and making a positive impact on young lives in Igbuzo.”
The competition culminated in a prize-giving ceremony where St. Augustine College was awarded ₦500,000 for their first-place finish, while Omu Boys Secondary School received ₦300,000 and Prime Seeds of Abraham took home ₦200,000. In addition, five exceptional students from various schools were presented with books and sponsorship for their third-term school fees.
The event concluded with a sense of optimism, as stakeholders called for continued support for educational programmes that empower young people, strengthen their skills, and help shape the future of Igbuzo.
This year’s edition of the debate championship has firmly established itself as a milestone event in Igbuzo’s educational calendar, reinforcing the vital role that academic initiatives play in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
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