The Commissioner of Education commends the EDTF for the introduction of debate in secondary schools in Bayelsa State.
The Commissioner of Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah has commended participants of the schools debate programme for their outstanding performance as part of efforts in strengthening the educational system in the State.
According to him, the efforts made by the teachers and the student coming-out strongly to speak was a great testimony of achievement in the educational sector.
Dr. Gentle Emelah made the commendation during the finals of the Maiden Edition of Schools debate programme sponsored by the Education Development Trust Fund Board held at the NUJ Press Centre Ekeki, in Yenagoa.
He noted that, for the outstanding performance of the students in the debate contest, they will make the state proud towards competing favorably with other of their counterparts in the world.
The Commissioner expressed confidence on the ability of the students and promised to provide scholarship for three best speakers for the next edition of schools debate stating that, it will be made consistently as an annual event.
He also commanded the Education Development Trust Fund Board for their bold initiative of introducing the debate programme in the secondary schools geared towards providing sustainable education in the State.
Dr. Emelah also used the opportunity to unveil and presented computers and accessories for coding and Robotics practical distributed to the 12 Model Secondary Schools in the eight Local Government Areas of the State.
He appreciated Governor Douye Diri and described him as education friendly Governor for providing the enabling environment in the pursuance of standard and sustainable education in Bayelsa State.
He urged the Principals to use the items effectively to serve the purpose.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary, Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) Dr. (Mrs.) Alice Atuwo, expressed delight over the re-introduction of Schools Debate Programme in Secondary Schools.
She stated that, debate and public speaking provides fundamental leadership skills and ideas to enhance effective communication amongst students desirous of knowledge.
According to her, debate programmes are organized to build the confidence of students in public speaking and analytical reasoning noting that most great leaders in the world such as , Kofi Anan, Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher and host others were products of public speaking through schools debate.
Dr. Atuwo re-affirmed the Boards Commitment to intervene in critical areas in all tiers of education which is geared towards achieving the mission of the Trust Fund in contributing to the establishment of competitive and sustainable educational system to provide credible manpower in Bayelsa State.
The Executive Secretary highlighted some of the achievement of the Trust Fund which includes the sponsoring and introduction of coding and Robotics in the Summer Holiday Camping Programme with the training of 103 Students and 12 Teachers in the Model Schools, the training of 50 Teachers on creative Coding and Robotics in collaboration with Odyssey Education Foundation as well as the training of 100 Girl Students on Technology Entrepreneurship (TECHNOVATION)
She appreciated the Governor Douye Diri for the support and funding of the activities of the Trust Fund to achieve its set goals and objectives in the educational sector.
Government Comprehensive Secondary School (GCSS), Tungbo, Sagbama LGA won the First Prize of N100,000.00 and the Trophy while Community Secondary School (CSS), Ekeremor in Ekeremor LGA won the Second Prize of N70,000.00 and Bayelsa State Sports Academy (BSSA), Asoama, Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA, Third Prize of N40,000.00 while Government Model Secondary School (GMSS), Twon-Brass, Brass LGA came Fourth N30,000.00.
Contributing, the Acting Chairman, EDTF, Professor Francis Sikoki expressed satisfaction and appreciated both the students for their resilience and credible performance as well as the Teachers for the good job done.
According to him, through the performance of participants in the Schools Debate programme has raised the standard of Education noting that, the EDTF will continue to support such programmes to provide quality education to the people.
He urged them to use the opportunity to develop public speaking skills noting that, it is the gateway to success in their future endeavours.
Also the Regent of Tarakiri Clan and the Chairman, Publicity and Sensitization Committee of the EDTF, Royal Majesty, Fidelis Agbiki, was overwhelmed and expressed joy over the wonderful performance of the students in the finals of Schools debate Programme.
According to him, he was a product of schools debate and public speaking who represented the Warri Province, was awarded a Scholarship by the Late Military Governor General Samuel Ogbemudia of the Mid-Western State, Warri and Benin Province over 55 Years ago for his outstanding performance in the Schools debate contest.
He urged the students to take schools debate and public speaking seriously and work diligently towards ensuring better leaders of tomorrow.