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The Abiola Patrick Public Speaking Competition 4.0 took place on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Lead British International School, Osogbo, Osun State.
The event brought together five schools: Government Technical College Osogbo, Christ African Church Grammar School, Lead British International School, Ataoja School of Science, and Bishop Felix Owolabi International School.
This year’s competition focused on the thought-provoking topic “Building Bridges, Not Walls: The Role of Education in Promoting Global Peace.”
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including representatives from JCI Nigeria.
Notable attendees included JCI Nigeria Executive Vice President for Southwest 2025, JCIN Ambassador Akinbode Abitogun, Director of Programs and Projects JCI Nigeria Southwest, JCIN Ambassador Babatunde Odunaya, JCI Osogbo Elite President Tadenikawo Ipoola and members were also in attendance.
The competition was chaired by Akinkuebi Oluwabusayomi, with Habeebullah A. OYEKOLA
serving as co-chair. The convener of the event Abiola Patrick, while Timilehin Fawole moderated the proceedings.
A panel of esteemed judges, comprising Chief Judge Ayo Ologun, Ibukunoluwa Otesile, Mayowa Abiola and Awotunde Omotola Mariam evaluated the participants’ speeches. The judges’ thoughtful feedback and expert insights added significant value to the event.
In commemoration of International Women’s Day, Judge Ibukunoluwa Otesile took a moment to address the students. She encouraged the girls to strive for excellence, break barriers, and become agents of positive change in their communities.
However, she also emphasized that taking care of women and promoting gender equality is not just a women’s issue, but a collective responsibility.
Judge Oteshile urged the boys and men present to stand as strong allies for women, to support and uplift them and to recognize that promoting gender equality benefits everyone.
She emphasized that this starts with the relationships they build with the women in their lives and that by working together, we can create a more just and equitable society.
After a fierce competition, the winners were announced.
The first position was secured by Bishop Felix Owolabi International School, whose representatives demonstrated exceptional public speaking skills and a deep understanding of the topic.
The second position was claimed by Lead British International School, whose representatives delivered an outstanding speech that impressed the judges and audience alike.
And the Third position was claimed by Ataoja School of Science, whose students also impressed the judges with their exceptional public speaking skills.
The Abiola Patrick Public Speaking Competition 4.0 was a resounding success, providing a platform for students to share their thoughts on promoting global peace through education.
The event’s impact will undoubtedly be felt beyond the competition itself, inspiring a new generation of leaders to become bridge-builders in their communities.
The convener Abiola Patrick challenged the students to be up and doing and see a reason to be the next generation of leaders who will be able to express themselves carefully with words wherever they find themselves.
He started how public speaking skills has helped him and what it has made him become as a person, he expressed his joy for the success of the forth edition and promised to do more in the coming years.
JCI Osogbo Elite President Tadenikawo Ipoola appreciated all that were in attendance and the conversation specially and he encouraged the students to see a good and bright future at being bold to raise and speak in the public.
Certificate of attendance was shared to everyone in attendance.
