In appreciation of the Delta State debate team that won the 2025 World Basic Schools Debate Championship held in Doha, Qatar, the state Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, rewarded each member of the team with N20 million.
  
The five-member team, along with their coaches and handlers, who also received N20 million each, were honoured at a reception at the Government House, Asaba.
  
Oborevwori described their victory as a significant milestone for the state and a clear affirmation of his administration’s commitment to educational excellence.
  
The governor said:  “Delta State is known not only for oil production and talents in comedy, music, and sports but also for its brilliance in education. I believe this gesture will encourage our youths to be diligent and excel in their studies.”
 
 He decorated the champions with their medals and received the championship trophy from the National Coordinator of the President’s Schools Debate Nigeria, Elder Dare Oritu.
  
The feat marks a historic achievement, elevating Delta and Nigeria to the global stage in educational competition. The governor praised the students for their hard work and dedication, commending their parents, coaches, and handlers for the role they played in the success.
 
 He emphasised that education remains the most valuable legacy any parent can offer, urging other students to emulate the team’s discipline, focus, and excellence.
  
“Such virtues,” he said, “not only lead to academic success but also help reduce crime in society by fostering responsibility and ambition among young people.”

The Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Samuel Mariere, introduced the team and lauded the governor’s unwavering support for education.
   
He highlighted the governor’s prayers and encouragement before the team’s departure, as well as his prompt payment of the 2025 counterpart funding for UBEC-SUBEB projects, the first in the nation.
  
Speaking on behalf of the champions, Splendour Ikhamateh, of Government Model Secondary School, Asaba, reflected on the challenges they overcame to emerge world champions. She noted that they debated critical global issues such as climate change, youth empowerment, and responsible technology use.