By Mike Odeh James
Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, the Chairman of the Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN), Delta State Chapter, alongside Comr Chuba Okpuzor has congratulated the Nigerian team — comprised entirely of Delta State students — for emerging champions at the World Schools Debate Championship held recently in Doha, Qatar.
The youth leaders, in a press statement issued in Asaba, hailed the victory as not only a triumph for Delta State but also a bold testament to the intellectual potential of Nigerian youths when given the right platform.
“These students have done what even our most celebrated politicians and athletes sometimes struggle to do — they have put Nigeria on the global map for the right reasons,” said Fajoye. “Their discipline, intellect, and courage speak volumes about the greatness within the Nigerian youth.”
The team, made up of Wisdom Chukwuma (Government College, Ughelli), Otorvo Uyoyou (Alegbo Secondary School, Effurun), Abraham Honour (Okpaka Secondary School), Ikhamateh Splendour (Government Model Secondary School, Asaba), and Alika Daniel (Utagba-Ogbe Grammar School, Kwale), secured a commanding 5–1 aggregate win against top global teams including those from the State of Chicago, USA, and Qatar.
Comrade Fajoye reserved special praise for Miss Ikhamateh Splendour, who was named Overall Best Debater at the championship. “Her recognition as the best in the world proves that with commitment and mentorship, the Nigerian girl-child can rise to heights once thought impossible.” while Comrade Chuba took time to elogise Alika Daniel, who represented Utagba-Ogbe grammar school in kwale, which happens to be his home town, where he hails from, taking the opportunity to encourage all the youths and students of Utagba-Ogbe community and Delta State by extension, to remain focused and resilient, stressing that education still remains a vital route to greatness.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had earlier congratulated the team through his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, describing their feat as “a shining testament to the Delta Can-Do Spirit” and a validation of the state’s investment in education under the MORE Agenda.
The youth leaders emphasized that this achievement must serve as a rallying point for both government and private stakeholders to invest more in youth development. “It is not enough to clap for these students — we must create thousands more like them through deliberate policy, funding, and mentorship.”
The leaders also issued a passionate appeal to the youths of Dekra community, a region grappling with rising unemployment and social instability, urging them to emulate the victorious students from Delta. “Let this achievement inspire you — not to pick up arms or fall into despair — but to pick up books, seek knowledge, and prove that Dekra too can produce world-class champions.”
He encouraged local leaders in Dekra and other underserved areas to support youth education initiatives, offer mentorship programs, and collaborate with NGOs to create opportunities. “If given the right environment, the youths of Dekra can not only lift their community but also become symbols of hope for the entire nation,” they both declared.
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Dan Zaki Media 