Lions Club International, District 404B5 Nigeria, has organised an inter-school debate competition for pupils from nine schools in Ekiti State as part of efforts to promote literacy, creativity and leadership among young people.
The competition, held at the SUBEB Model College, Okesha, Ado-Ekiti, was organised under the theme, “Reading Action Programme 2026”, to commemorate the 2026 World Literacy Day.
The debate topic was: “Social Media Has Done More Harm Than Good — True or False.”
Speaking on the programme, the Region Chairperson, Lion Florence Nnachi NLCF, described the competition as educative and interactive, stressing the need for such initiatives to be sustained for the academic and leadership development of pupils.
A former Club President, Lion Honourable Kehinde Odebunmi, said the initiative was aimed at promoting creativity, effective use of English and leadership skills among the participants.
Also, the Coordinator of the programme, Lion Professor Benjamin Bankole, noted that the initiative was designed to identify and develop young talents who could grow into responsible leaders in the future.
In his contribution, the Director of Academics, SUBEB, Prince Dada Olatunji, also said the competition would help the participants develop confidence and leadership qualities.
At the end of the competition, Miss Olajide Ayotomiwa of Early Child School emerged first, followed by Miss Olabami Motunrayo of Community Nursery and Primary School, Itanla, Ado-Ekiti, while Miss Olayinka Mary of Surajudeen Nursery and Primary School, Opopogboro, Ado-Ekiti, came third.
The winners received cash prizes of fifty thousand, thirty thousand and twenty thousand naira respectively, alongside school bags, books, sandals and certificates.
Professor Bankole appreciated the nine Lions Clubs under the district for supporting the programme and pledged that Lions Club International would sustain the initiative.