The maiden edition of the 2025 Obingwa-West School Debate Championship, sponsored by the Chairman, House Committee on Public Service Matters, Abia State House of Assembly, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, has entered its final stage, with Amaise Community Secondary Technical School, Ukpakiri, set to face Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Mgboko Itungwa, in what promises to be a thrilling showdown.

Earlier in the semi-final rounds, four schools competed fiercely for the coveted final slots. In the first semi-final, Ahiaba High School proposed the motion: “Nigeria fared better during the military regime than the present civilian rule.” Their 14-year-old lead speaker, Miss Innocent Maanah, delivered a strong performance that earned her team 300 points (50%). However, they were edged out by Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Mgboko Itungwa, whose lead speaker, 16-year-old Miss Iheukwumere Goodgift Chinaza, impressed judges with clear arguments and firm rebuttals, securing 356 points (59.3%) and the first ticket to the grand finale.

The second semi-final saw an equally spirited contest on the topic “Technology enhances democratic participation during elections.” Amaise Community Secondary Technical School, Ukpakiri, powered by the exceptional delivery of 13-year-old Master Monday WithGod, topped the round with 385 points (64%), the highest score of the semi-finals. Their opponents, Osusu Amaukwa Community Secondary School, led by the eloquent 13-year-old Kalu Hanah, put up a commendable effort but finished with 236 points (39.3%), placing them in the third-place match.

With both finalists now confirmed, attention shifts to the concluding stage of the championship. Amaise Community Secondary Technical School, Ukpakiri, will propose the motion “The Post-UTME should not be a criterion for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions,” while Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Mgboko Itungwa, will oppose.

Meanwhile, the third-place match will feature Osusu Amaukwa Community Secondary School, proposing “Electricity generation and distribution in Nigeria should be fully privatized,” against Ahiaba High School, which will oppose the motion.

The grand finale and third-place contests will hold on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. The championship continues to showcase the intelligence, confidence, and civic awareness of young students in Obingwa-West, reaffirming that the region’s future lies in capable hands.

In a heartfelt vote of thanks, the lead Speaker of Ahiaba High School, Miss Innocent Maanah, on behalf of the participants, expressed gratitude to God, her teachers, and teammates, noting that although the defeat was painful, the experience strengthened their confidence and passion for public speaking. She congratulated the finalists describing them as worthy and affirmed that Ahiaba High School would return stronger for the third-place contest.

Miss Maanah specially thanked the Lawmaker representing Obingwa-West State Constituency in Abia state House of Assembly, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, whose sponsorship, she said, created a life-changing platform for students to develop intellectual skills, leadership qualities, and the courage to speak on national issues. She also commended the organizing committee for their fairness and professionalism, adding that the cheers from the audience gave her strength when emotions overwhelmed her. 

She described her tears not as a sign of defeat but as a reflection of her passion for learning and personal growth, reaffirming her team’s determination to excel in the upcoming third-place match scheduled for December 10, 2025.