Nnewi high school, in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has emerged the overall winner of the Anambra State Schools Debate Competition, securing the championship trophy and a cash prize of ₦100,000.
The competition, held at the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) Hall in Awka, also saw one of the school’s students, Okeke Prince Chukwuemeka, emerge as the tournament’s overall best speaker.
Nnewi High School earned its place in the state-level contest after winning the Nnewi zonal competition. The school went on to defeat Catholic Girls Secondary School, Ozubulu; Community Secondary School, Oraifite; Cave City Secondary School, Ogbunike; and Community Secondary School, Umuokpu, Awka, on its way to the title.
The annual debate championship was sponsored by the Worldwide Organisation of Woman Africa, a United States-based non-governmental organisation, as part of its efforts to promote intellectual development and public speaking among students.
Members of the victorious team were Esione Chinazom, Ekemezie Anthony, Okeke Prince Chukwuemeka, Basset Godspower, Aron Jasper, Ilegbunam Paul, Chijioke John Paul, Okolie Obinna, Edeh Udochukwu and Ezeh Nzube.
The team was coached by Mr Anyamene Osita Chukwuemeka, who expressed appreciation to the school’s principal, Lady Amaechi Morah, and the teaching staff for their support and encouragement throughout the students’ preparation.
He also commended the school management and staff for their contributions to the team’s success.
The victory marks a significant achievement for Nnewi High School and highlights the importance of debate competitions in developing students’ critical thinking, research, communication and public-speaking skills.
