By Daniel Udo
Loretto Special Science School (LSSS), Adazi Nnukwu, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, has clinched the top prize at the 2nd Edition of the ADAUBA Senior Secondary Schools Debate Competition in Ichida, Anaocha Local Government Area, after a highly competitive intellectual showdown that spotlighted the role of education and social media in amplifying the voice of the girl child.
The annual competition, held at Ezeokpu Civic Centre, Ichida, Anaocha LGA Anambra State, on Friday 12 June 2026, was convened by Hon. Chinweogo C. Uba, Councillor representing Ichida Ward 2 and Deputy Leader of the Anaocha Congress of Councilors, in collaboration with the Catholic Diocese of Awka Education Department, Adazi Region; and the Post Primary School Service Commission (PPSSC), Awka Zone.
In her address of welcome, she welcomed guests to the 2nd Edition of the ADAUBA Senior Secondary School Debate, remarking that last year, they started with a vision to build a platform where young minds could think critically, speak boldly, and respect diverse Opinions.
‘Today, that vision is growing. For this edition, our students will engage two powerful motions centered on girl-child and Development”,’ Hon Chinweogo stated.
She explained that the topics for this year’s edition were chosen to challenge students to think deeply about education, gender equality, technology, and sustainable development.
‘Students debated the motion, “This House believes that Investing in Girls’ Education is the most Effective way to Elevate the Voice of the Girl Child”, at the preliminary stage, and, “This House believes that social media is an effective tool for amplifying girls’ voices in the fight for sustainable development”, at the grand finale.
’Debate is more than speaking on a podium. It teaches research, discipline, teamwork, and confidence. It teaches us to listen before we argue, and to argue with facts, not noise,’ Hon. Uba stated.
Speaking further on the initiative, she said, ‘I believe in the girl-child. I believe we girls have a lot to offer. One of the reasons why the girl-child is lagging behind is because we are afraid to speak out. I initiated this debate to motivate the girl-child to be selfless, fearless, and bold in facing challenges.’
She dedicated the programme to her late parents, a retired headmaster and a retired headmistress, whom, she said, both loved education.
Speaking as a Special Guest of Honour, the immediate past Anambra State Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Ify Obinabo, described the convener, Hon. Uba, as her wonderful daughter in whom she was well pleased.
’You can only be a mother to someone who is willing to be your daughter. The debate you are organizing today is something you will be very proud of tomorrow,’ Obinabo said.
She urged students to emulate Hon. Uba’s vision, describing the debate as a way of shaping students for a better tomorrow.
’When you get to the top, remember programmes like this and also conduct similar initiatives for others,’ she advised.
On the social media aspect, Uba stressed that it was informative and educative when used positively, and cautioned students to shun negative content and avoid pornography.
’Choose whom you want to emulate and follow that person. Be focused and you will succeed,’ she added.
For his part, the Secretary, Education Board for Adazi Region, Catholic Diocese of Awka, Rev. Fr. Chidi Jude Ozumba, described the debate as an experiential event that developed students’ communication skills and built overall capacity.
Fr Ozumba commended Loretto Special Science School and Rosa Mystica High School for what he described as their exceptional presentations, adding that the programme reinforced the importance of Girl-child Education.
He urged students to leverage smart phones and use social media wisely for educational benefit, noting that by doing so, they can become relevant and contribute meaningfully to society.
Announcing the results, the Chief Judge, Mrs. Ngozi Chukwujekwu, who is the Zonal Director, PPSC, Awka Zone, commended all participants for their excellent performances.
‘Whether you win or not, I want you all to see yourselves as winners. Many people cannot stand for one minute to say something, but we saw these young girls engage themselves in this debate,’ she said.
Chukwujekwu announced Loretto Special Science School, Adazi Nnukwu, as the overall winners and of a trophy and cash prize of N150, 000 sponsored by Oba Ezeafia were presented to them. RosaRosa Mystica High School, Agulu, took second position with a cash prize of #100,000 sponsored by Justice Kings. St. Augustine Secondary School, Ichida, came third with a cash prize of #70,000 sponsored by Ukaa Ezeaniekwe, while Community High School, Akwaeze, secured fourth with a cash prize of #50,000 sponsored by Hon. Ify Obinabo, Anambra State Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare. Certificates of participation were presented to all contestants.
Mrs. Chukwujekwu lauded Hon. Uba, noting that Anaocha is the only local government area in the state currently hosting the debate. “We have so many honourables in this state. We have so many local governments in this state. But we had this debate last year, and we also have it this year. Yet, we have not had it in any other LGA,” she said. She said the initiative is a dividend of democracy and thanked teachers for preparing their students well.
Speaking on the victory, Nneoma, an English teacher from Loretto Special Science School, said hard work and teamwork were key to their preparation. She attributed their success to the grace of God and thanked Hon. Uba for the innovative programme aimed at ensuring the girl child has a voice in society.
Also speaking, a student of Loretto special science School Okpalanwa, Emmanuella expressed excitement for the victory as the winner.
She thanked the organizer and also the sponsors for the initiative describing the programme as an inspiring one for a Girl child.
In conclusion, Hon. chinweogo Uba appreciated her sponsors including the Special Guest of Honours, and everyone for making this year’s edition a reality despite the rain.
She congratulated Loretto Special Science School for emerging as the overall winner while urging other schools to prepare well for the next edition.
The event featured participants from Loretto Special Science School, Adazi Nnukwu; Rosa Mystica High School, Agulu; St. Augustine’s Secondary School, Ichida; and Community High School, Akwaeze both in Anaocha L.G.A Anambra
Schools in attendance as invitees included Passion for Christ International School, Ichida; Materpunssima Secondary School, Ichida; and Future Stars Secondary School, Ichida both in Anaocha L.G.A.
Dignitaries present included Mrs. Ngozi Chukwujekwu, zonal Director PPSSC Awka Zone, Mrs. Amaka Anekwe, State Coordinator, Debate Competition Team, Anambra State; Mr. John Onuibo, a veteran in debate; Rev. Fr. Chidi Jude, secretary education board Adazi; Hon. Ify Obinabo, for Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare Anambra State ; Hon. Ezeosim Susan A.; Hon. Ignatius Nnoli; Mrs. Okeke Amarachi; Nzomiwu Ikechukwu C., Esq.; Orakwe Sobechukwu; Ubadigha Johnpaul Chukwuemeka; Akpasionwu Elizabeth Uzoamaka; Anoliefo Calistus Chukwunonso, APGA Councillorship Candidate, Adazi; and Ezeani Ekene Ngozi, among others.
The event underscored the growing importance of intellectual engagement and the empowerment of the girl child in Anaocha and Anambra State at large.