Family holds first school debate to mark 10th memorial of Ooni Sijuwade
A pupil, Ebunoluwa Oluga, has won the first prize in an Inter-School Debate in honour of the 10th memorial anniversary of Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II. Faith Agbowo came in second in the debate.
The Two-State Inter-School Debate Tour took place at Abeokuta Grammar School, alma mater of the late Ooni.
The theme: “Traditional Governance vs. Modern Democracy: Which Best Preserves Cultural Heritage?” featured representatives from Abeokuta Grammar School. The programme featured vibrant cultural performances by students and was graced by the presence of Yeye Olori Oladunni Sijuwade—an accomplished lawyer, linguist, and wife of the late Ooni—as well as representatives from the Ogun State Ministry of Education and other key stakeholders in the education sector
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The initiative is part of a broader effort by the family, in collaboration with National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, to encourage critical thinking, historical consciousness, and youth engagement with national development.
In her address, Mrs Oluri, vice-principal, welcomed dignitaries and hailed the royal family for initiating such impactful programme.
First and second place winners received gifts. Others, Marvellous Aduhuba and Ibukunoluwa Sokeye got cash.
In recognition of the school’s role as host of the inaugural debate, a plaque of appreciation was presented to it by Yeye Olori Oladunni Sijuwade, for the family.
“With heartfelt gratitude, this honor acknowledges your steadfast commitment to academic excellence, intellectual growth, and youth development,” said Yeye Olori, who represented the late monarch for 28 years, during the presentation.
Yeye Olori Oladunni Sijuwade urged the pupils to uphold their integrity, saying, “My prayer is that as you are here, attaining, obtaining and acquiring the education that you have come here for, you make good use of them. There’s so much going on outside in the world. Ignore it. Focus on what you are here for.”
In attendance too were Deputy Director of Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Okeleye Olarotimi and senior officials, who delivered messages on behalf of the Commissioner, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu.
Principal, Pastor Sola John told the pupils: “You are the future. Though the walls of our nation may seem broken, we believe you will rise to rebuild them. Just as President Kennedy once said: ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country?’
What can I do for my state? What can I do for my school? Be a good ambassador.”
As the students basked in the success of their team, they extended gratitude to the school management for the initiative and expressed anticipation for future editions of the Inter-School Debate Competition. They noted that the event was not only a showcase of academic excellence but also an opportunity for students to engage in intellectual discourse and socialise beyond the borders of their school.