Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has announced a reward of ₦100 million for the five students who represented Nigeria and emerged champions at the 2025 World Basic Schools Debate Championship held in Doha, Qatar. Each of the five winning students, all from public schools in Delta State, received ₦20 million.
The handlers of the young national ambassadors also received ₦20 million each, in recognition of their contributions to preparing the students for their outstanding performance and historic victory on the global stage, which brought pride to both Delta State and Nigeria.
Receiving the international schools debate champions, their parents, and officials at Government House in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori said the team’s triumph was a proud moment for Delta State, one that eloquently testified to his administration’s “commitment to educational excellence”.
A highlight of the event was the decoration of the victorious students with their medals and the official presentation of the championship trophy to the governor by Mr. Dare Oritu, the National Coordinator of the President’s Schools Debate Nigeria.
Governor Oborevwori said, “Delta State is not just known for oil production, comedy, music and sports. we are also a hub of brilliance in education! I hope this reward inspires our youths to excel in their studies and strive for greatness.”
He also commended the parents, teachers, and team handlers for their efforts and resilient dedication to the growth and development of the children. Education remains the most valuable legacy any parent can give to a child, the governor stressed, and he urged other students to emulate the champions’ hard work, discipline, and focus—virtues that are crucial to personal success and key in reducing youths’ adoption of negative culture.
Speaking on behalf of the champions, Splendour Ikhamateh of Government Model Secondary School, Asaba, disclosed that the debate topics included climate change, youth empowerment, and responsible technology use. According to her, the team overcame initial doubts and anxiety by drawing inspiration from what she termed “the spirit of Delta”, that is, the courage to excel as the representatives of every basic-school student in the state.
The Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Samuel Mariere, thanked Governor Oborevwori for his “unwavering commitment to the education sector”. He noted that Oborevwori was the first to pay the 2025 counterpart funding for UBEC-SUBEB projects, and that the governor had received and prayed for the team before their triumphant departure for Doha, Qatar.
Mariere added that this victory not only cements Delta State’s position as a leader in education, but also highlights the state’s dedication to youth development, global competitiveness, and academic excellence.
