The maiden edition of the Obingwa West Senior Secondary School Debate and Public Speaking Championship (OWSSSDPSC 2025) opened on Wednesday with an inspiring display of brilliance, confidence, and expressive talent from students drawn largely from rural schools across the constituency.
Sponsored by the Lawmaker representing Obingwa West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, the championship debuted to a vibrant audience of parents, teachers, traditional leaders, and education stakeholders who described the event as a new dawn for rural education development in Abia State.
Investigation revealed that despite coming from communities where basic infrastructure remains a daily challenge, the six participating schools in Group A delivered robust arguments, articulate presentations, and well-researched submissions. Many students were appearing before a large audience for the first time, yet their composure and delivery drew applause throughout the event.
The students debated topics centered on governance, technology, and development, including: “The Use of Technology Has Enhanced the Educational Sector”, “Traditional Institutions Play Vital Roles in Modern Governance” and “Local Government: The Key Drivers of Rural Development”
One of the Judges, Mrs. Nelda, noted that the students displayed uncommon depth, structured reasoning, and admirable confidence, qualities that, reflect the untapped intellectual potential in rural areas.
The Group A Contenders were: Amaise Secondary Technical School; Ehere Community Comprehensive Secondary School; Obimgboko Amaisii Secondary Technical School; Ahiaba High School; Osusu Amaukwa Community Secondary School; and Comprehensive Secondary School, Mgboko Itungwa, all in Obingwa Local Government Area (LGA) Abia state.
In Match A, Amaise Secondary Technical School scored 395 points (65.8%) while Ehere Community Comprehensive Secondary School scored 293 points (49.8%). Amaise Comprehensive Senior Secondary School outperformed their opponents with more coherent arguments and stronger delivery.
While in Match B, Ahiaba High School scored 402 points (67%) and Obimgboko Amaisii Secondary Technical School scored 295 points (49.1%).
Ahiaba High School impressed with cohesive teamwork, persuasive presentations, and excellent time management.
While In Match C, Comprehensive Secondary School, Mgboko Itungwa scored 420 points (70%) while Osusu Amaukwa Community Secondary School scored 384 points (64%)
In the closest contest of the day, Mgboko Itungwa narrowly edged Osusu Amaukwa with a more coordinated argument structure and impactful speaking.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Prince Upon Ezenwoke, commended learners across Obingwa West for their resilience and hunger for knowledge.
He emphasized that many of the participating schools operate within rural environments where academic competitions of this scale are rare.
He also hailed Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr. for what he described as “an investment that will shape the intellectual future of the constituency by giving rural children a platform to be seen and heard.”
Lead speakers from the top-performing schools, Master Monday WithGod, Miss Innocent Maanah and Miss Iheukwumere Goodgift Chinaza expressed gratitude to the lawmaker and voiced their determination to emerge overall champions.
As the group stage winds down and attention shifts to the knockout rounds, participating schools will compete for transformative prizes, including laptops, desktop computers, scholarships, free WAEC and JAMB registrations, medals, trophies, and certificates of excellence.
For many of the rural students, these rewards represent more than trophies, they are stepping stones to a brighter educational future.
With the brilliance already displayed, the OWSSSDPSC 2025 is shaping up to be a life-changing initiative, offering young rural learners a powerful platform to rise, speak, and shine.
Today’s Fixtures
1. Akanu Umuorie Community Secondary School vs. Amano Isiahia Technical Secondary School
2. Nenu Community Secondary School vs. Umuaro Community Secondary School
3. Holy Family Secondary School vs. Osaa Ukwu Community Secondary School
Excitement continues to rise as more schools prepare to showcase their skills in the next set of group fixtures.
