Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has announced a cash reward of N20 million each for the state’s representatives who won the 2025 World Basic Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar.
The governor, who made the announcement on Thursday at Government House, Asaba, also extended the same reward to the team’s handlers.
Oborevwori praised the students for bringing global honour to Nigeria and Delta State, describing the victory as a proud moment.
“Delta State is known not only for oil production and talents in comedy, music and sports, but also for brilliance in education,” he said. “I believe this gesture will encourage our youths to be diligent and excel in their studies.”
He commended the parents, coach and handlers for their role in the achievement, stressing that education remained the most valuable legacy parents could bequeath to their children. The governor further urged other students to emulate the champions’ hard work, discipline and focus, noting that such virtues could help reduce crime in society.
The Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Samuel Mariere, lauded the governor’s support for education, recalling how Oborevwori prayed for the team before their departure. He also highlighted the prompt payment of the state’s 2025 counterpart funding for UBEC-SUBEB projects.
Speaking on behalf of the champions, Splendour Ikhamateh of Government Model Secondary School, Asaba, said the team debated issues including climate change, youth empowerment and responsible technology use. She noted that they overcame initial doubts by drawing strength from what she called “the spirit of Delta.”