The Nigeria-Britain Association held the 2024 edition of the Akintola Williams Youth Debate Competition, commencing with the preliminary stage on 30th May 2024, at the headquarters of NEM Insurance Plc. The event paid tribute to the Association’s late Patron, Pa Akintola Williams, celebrating his enduring passion for youth development and education.
The competition saw participation from twelve schools: six private and six public schools. These schools included Lagos State Senior Model College Ojo, Keke Senior High School, Lagos State Model Senior College Kankon, Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School, Supreme Education Foundation, Starbright Schools Ajiran Road Agungi Lekki Lagos, Eko Akete Senior Grammar School, Eva Adelaja Girls Secondary School, CMS Grammar School, Dansol High School, and Alimosho Senior Grammar School. Six schools advanced to the second stage, where students debated thought-provoking topics, culminating in the final motion, “The House says Democracy is the privilege of Advanced Nations.”
The grand finale was held on 1st June 2024, at the NEM Insurance Plc and was attended by distinguished guests including N-BA President – Mr. Sola Oyetayo, Past President and Governing Council member – Mr. Shola Tinubu, Events Organising Chairman and N-BA Assistant Honorary Secretary – Mr. Gboyega Olanbiwoninu, Pa. Akintola Williams’ daughter – Ms. Tokunbo Williams, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Education – Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Akinfolurin, and other esteemed Governing Council members, N-BA members, and guests. Representatives of NEM Insurance, Mr. Adeyemi Mabayoje Mayadenu – Deputy General Manager (Strategy & System), and Mr. Azurunwa Pius – Group Executive (Marketing), also addressed the students.
After an intense two-stage grand finale, Dansol High School emerged as the winner, receiving brand new Lenovo laptops and an internship opportunity at the British Council. Alimosho Senior Grammar School secured second place and was awarded brand new Samsung tablets, while Keke Senior High School took third place and received brand new smartphones. The best speaker of the competition, Miss Ogenyi Favour from Keke Senior High School, was awarded the opportunity to shadow the MD/CEO of NEM Insurance Plc.
Additionally, the iCreate Club exhibited impressive scientific innovations by students from Akanji Primary School Surulere, National Primary School Abule Ijesha, and Kayron School Sangotedo.
The event was made possible through the generous support of our partners: Scib Nigeria & Co. Limited, NEM Insurance Plc, and the British Council.
