No fewer than 300 secondary school students from 20 public and private schools across Lagos State participated in the second annual secondary school leadership debate organised by a leading data-driven social impact organisation, Dacurate.
The leadership debate with the theme “Leadership and Finance” provided a platform for students to debate Nigeria’s financial future, highlighting the essential role of financial knowledge in leadership.
Speaking before the presentation of the award to the winner of the contest, the team lead of Dacurate, Mr Mateen Olukorede Taomu, said the annual event is designed to groom students in leadership through debates.
He said apart from grooming students for leadership roles, the programme aimed at empowering secondary school students with public-speaking skills that would enable them to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their counterparts across the world.
While presenting the grand prize of N300,000 to the students of Dowen College, Kosiso Chukwu and Olumide Makanju, who emerged as this year’s champion, Taomu charged the students to be confident in their abilities.
Taomu, who also presented the sums of N150,000 and N100,000 to the schools that came second and third, respectively, said this year’s edition is the second
He said, “For the second consecutive year, this debate has proven to be a vital catalyst for transformative leadership.
“The topics challenged students to address issues central to Nigeria’s economic landscape, and we are thrilled to see such intellect and collaboration—an embodiment of Dacurate’s mission to educate and empower young Nigerians on leadership, governance, and economic issues.”
While commending the initiative, Mr Olusola Marcus of Page Financials, who spoke on behalf of the judges, who include Bella Victor of Socialander and Olajumoke Adeyeye of Proshare, also hailed the contestants and said they were assessed based on content, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Also speaking, Mr. Olakunle Dasilva of the Lagos Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education commended the event and said, “Platforms like these inspire students to think critically about Nigeria’s future, equipping them with essential leadership skills for national development.”
Distinguished guests included the MD/CEO of Emerging Africa Asset Management Limited, Adaku Ijara, who was represented by Dr. Toyin Sanni, Executive Vice Chair of Emerging Africa Group, and Olakunle Dasilva from the Lagos Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
Dacurate is a data-driven impact organisation committed to informing, educating, and empowering Nigerians, particularly youth and children, about leadership, governance and the economic landscape.
The organisation, through innovative online and offline programs, leverages data-driven services to encourage greater public involvement and promote positive leadership.
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