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Debate for change: OERAF Champions Student Empowerment at Ughelli Memorial Lecture
DDM News
The Executive Director of Olotu and Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF), Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete, Ph.D. (JP), hosted a memorial lecture on the benefits of debate competitions for students in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), the event took place on April 10, 2025, to commemorate the passing of his grandfather, the late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Olotu Akpodiete encouraged the students to take their academic activities very seriously.
He assured them that his foundation would continue to support quality education in Nigeria.
Olorogun Dr. Chris Oharisi, Chairman of the Governing Council at Delta State College of Health Science and Technology, Ofuoma-Ughelli, chaired the occasion.
He advised the students to remain optimistic.
He emphasized the importance of debate for students.
He stressed that debate competitions help students excel in public speaking.
Mr. Samson Obor, Principal of Government College Ughelli, also spoke at the event.
He thanked OERAF for its remarkable efforts.
He encouraged students to take their studies seriously.
He added that the importance of debate can never be overemphasized.
Olorogun (Mrs.) Grace Akpodiete presented the main lecture.
She highlighted several benefits of debate for students.
She outlined four major benefits: academic, personal, career, and life skills.
She concluded that debate competitions help students develop a wide range of skills.
She said these skills benefit students academically, personally, and professionally.
Barrister (Mrs.) Agboka Akpodiete-Omale gave a speech on the life of the late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete.
She spoke about his integrity and commitment to philanthropy.
She described him as a great disciplinarian and dedicated community leader.
She praised him as a lawyer known for his generosity.
Chief Dr. Linda Ikpuri delivered the closing remarks.
She expressed satisfaction with the great work OERAF is doing.
She assured the audience that she would collaborate with OERAF to build a better society.
The event also featured the presentation of cash prizes to participating schools.
The schools included Lulu Schools, Government College Ughelli, and Otovwodo Grammar School.
Other schools were Oharisi Secondary School, Transcorp Secondary School, and Ekakpamre.
Also in attendance were Girls Model Secondary School, Evwreni, Divine Fire School, and Ekiugbo Grammar School.
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