Methodist School Triumphs In Vision Africa Debate

Methodist Girls High School, Umueze Umuahia, has emerged victorious in the keenly contested  grand finale of the 2024/2025 Vision Africa Radio School Debate Competition, held at the Vision Africa Radio Premises in Umuahia.

The intellectually stimulating contest, themed “Is Social Media Impactful to Teenagers?”, was organized by Vision Africa in partnership with the Abia State Ministry of Education.

Representing the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Professor Ijeoma Iheukwumere, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening education and safeguarding children’s rights. “The Otti administration is deeply invested in developing our youths academically and morally,” she stated.

Vision Africa International President and Methodist Bishop, Dr. Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, emphasized the spiritual and moral drive behind the initiative. “We are building a generation anchored in values, integrity, and purpose,” he said.

The finalists at the debate included:
Methodist Girls High School, Umueze Umuahia (Winner)

Valley View College, Ohafia

Basic Foundation International Secondary School

Ndume Otuka Secondary School, Ahiaeke

In a magnanimous gesture, Bishop Onuoha announced full sponsorship of WAEC registration fees for three students from each of the four finalist schools — Methodist Girls High School, Valley View College Ohafia, Basic Foundation International Secondary School, and Ndume Otuka Secondary School, Ahiaeke.

Speaking passionately at the prize presentation, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, celebrated the outstanding performance of both boys and girls, particularly commending young girls for their eloquence and boldness in the “intellectually enriching and deeply inspiring” debate competition.

“Debating is more than a contest — it is leadership training. It nurtures courage, sharpens intellect, and fosters empathy,” she said, lauding Governor Alex Otti and his wife for their inclusive and youth-focused leadership.

She expressed appreciation to Bishop Dr. Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, the visionary President of Vision Africa, for initiating and sustaining such transformative platforms for youth empowerment. She also extended gratitude to Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) and the First Lady for their unending support of inclusive education and gender equality.

Dr. Aghukwa encouraged the winning students to see their victory as a launchpad for future leadership, and advised participants who didn’t win to consider the experience itself a mark of success and growth.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, represented by Lady Kelechi Ogugbue, described children as “gifts to humanity” and restated the government’s resolve to empower them to fulfill their potential.

She,however, praised the intellectual vigour of the students and also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to policies that unlock the potential of every child.

In a strong regulatory perceptive for media literacy and protection of young minds, Susan Obi, Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring at the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC), highlighted the agency’s efforts in curbing harmful content on traditional and digital platforms. “We are committed to ensuring that children consume only messages that build and guide them to make informed life choices,” Obi said.

The competition drew participation from top-performing schools, with the finale between Methodist Girls High School and Valley View College Ohafia showcasing brilliant arguments, rebuttals, and deep insights into the role of social media in modern youth development.

The event, attended by top government officials, educators, and media stakeholders, was a celebration of academic excellence, youth leadership, and the power of responsible communication in shaping the future.

As the applause rented the air and trophies were handed out, one message resonated deeply: Abia is raising a new generation of confident, articulate, and morally grounded leaders ,one debate at a time.