By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Agege Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) claimed the top spot in the highly competitive LGNA International Debate Competition for all public primary schools in Lagos. The event, organized by LGNA International in collaboration with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), received support from the Ireland Ambassador to Nigeria.
The debate centered around the topic “Irish Culture and Traditions Are Good Enough for Nigerians to Imitate.” Agege’s proposition team strongly believed in the affirmative stance, while the opposing team, represented by St. Francis Primary School from Kosofe Local Government Education Authority, disagreed. After a closely contested debate, Agege LGEA emerged as the overall winner.
The competition, held at Fish Farm Ogudu area of Kosofe, witnessed intense intellectual battles as participating teams presented their arguments with eloquence and confidence. Alimosho LGEA secured the third position after defeating Oshodi-Isolo on the topic “Developed countries should employ skilled labor from developing nations.”
To recognize the outstanding performances, trophies, laptops, medals, and Irish education opportunities were awarded to the first, second, and third place winners. The overall winner, Agege LGEA, also earned the unique privilege of traveling to Dublin in August.
Prominent dignitaries, including the Ireland Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Peter Ryan, commended LGNA International and its CEO, Tunde Jakande, for providing a platform that nurtures the talents of young children. Ambassador Ryan expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, emphasizing that it was a remarkable opportunity to support the development of primary school students in Lagos.
Hon. Wahab Alawiye King, Chairman of SUBEB, stressed the need to build and formalize initiatives that improve the basic education sector in Lagos State. He highlighted the holistic nature of education, showcasing the cognitive and psycho levels demonstrated by the pupils during the competition. King expressed his pride in witnessing the public primary school students’ command of the English language and their exceptional display of debating skills.
Mr. Tunde Jakande, CEO of LGNA International, expressed his commitment to empowering the younger generation through education. He considered the debate competition an extension of his efforts to contribute to society, particularly in terms of education. Jakande aimed to instill leadership qualities in primary school children, as he believed they were the foundation and future leaders of the nation.
The victors of the competition, Agege LGEA, were elated by their success. Master Aminu Shuaibu, a representative of the winning team, expressed delight and gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the competition. Shuaibu acknowledged the invaluable role of his teachers in developing his communication skills and emphasized that the victory would inspire him to excel further in his studies.
The event attracted numerous dignitaries, including H.E. Peter Ryan, the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Cir Yemi Adenuga from Meat County Council Ireland, Barrister Aduke Gomez, representatives from Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), renowned flutist Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli, and esteemed educator MS Alice Dina Cleary. Also in attendance were representatives from the Lagos State Ministry of Education and Kosofe LGEA, including Education Secretary Hon. Tunde Soneye, among others.
