Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has rewarded each member of the five-man State team that clinched the 2025 World Basic Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar, with N20 million in cash prizes.
The Governor extended the same generous reward to the team’s coaches and handlers, celebrating their victory as a moment of immense pride for Delta State and a demonstration of his administration’s dedication to advancing educational excellence.
Welcoming the champions, their parents, and officials at Government House, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori commended the students for bringing international recognition to both Delta State and Nigeria. He personally awarded them their medals and accepted the championship trophy from Elder Dare Oritu, the National Coordinator and President of Schools Debate Nigeria.
“Delta State is renowned not only for its oil production and talents in comedy, music, and sports but also for its outstanding achievements in education. I trust this reward will inspire our youth to work hard and excel academically,” the Governor stated.
He also praised the parents, coaches, and handlers for their vital role in the team’s success and emphasized that education remains the most precious legacy a parent can leave their children.
Governor Oborevwori encouraged other students to emulate the champions’ dedication, discipline, and focus, virtues that can contribute to reducing crime in society.
Hon. Samuel Mariere, Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), introduced the winners and expressed gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for his consistent support of the education sector.
He highlighted the Governor’s prayers for the team before their trip and commended him for being the first to provide the 2025 counterpart funding for the UBEC-SUBEB education projects.
Speaking on behalf of the champions, Splendour Ikhamateh from Government Model Secondary School, Asaba, shared how the team debated critical global topics such as climate change, youth empowerment, and responsible technology use.
She noted that despite initial doubts, they were empowered by what she described as “the spirit of Delta” — the courage to excel and represent every basic school student in the state.
