300 Students Participate in Leadership Debates, Win N300,000
Over 300 secondary school students from 20 public and private schools in Lagos State participated in the second annual secondary school leadership debate organized by Dacurate, a data-driven social impact organization.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
In a remarkable display of intellect and passion, over 300 secondary school students from 20 public and private schools across Lagos State participated in the second annual secondary school leadership debate organized by Dacurate, a leading data-driven social impact organization. The debate, themed “Leadership and Finance,” aimed to provide a platform for students to engage with Nigeria’s financial future, emphasizing the critical role of financial literacy in effective leadership.
During the award presentation ceremony, Mr. Mateen Olukorede Taomu, the team lead of Dacurate, expressed the organization’s commitment to nurturing young leaders through debates. He highlighted that the event is designed not only to foster leadership skills but also to empower students with essential public speaking abilities, enabling them to compete globally.
This year’s champions, Kosiso Chukwu and Olumide Makanju from Dowen College, were awarded a grand prize of N300,000. Taomu encouraged the students to embrace their potential with confidence. He also presented cash prizes of N150,000 and N100,000 to the second and third-place schools, respectively, reinforcing the competition's commitment to rewarding excellence.
“For the second consecutive year, this debate has proven to be a vital catalyst for transformative leadership,” Taomu stated. “The topics challenged students to address critical issues related to Nigeria’s economic landscape. We are thrilled to witness such intellectual engagement and collaboration—true to Dacurate’s mission of educating and empowering young Nigerians on leadership, governance, and economic issues.”
Mr. Olusola Marcus of Page Financials, representing the judging panel, praised the contestants for their exemplary performance, noting that they were evaluated based on content, teamwork, and sportsmanship. He emphasized the importance of such platforms in fostering critical thinking among students regarding Nigeria’s future.
Mr. Olakunle Dasilva of the Lagos Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education commended the initiative, stating, “Platforms like these inspire students to think critically about Nigeria’s future, equipping them with essential leadership skills for national development.”
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Dr. Toyin Sanni, Executive Vice Chair of Emerging Africa Group, who represented the MD/CEO of Emerging Africa Asset Management Limited, Adaku Ijara.
Dacurate continues to lead the charge in educating and empowering Nigerian youth through innovative programs, leveraging data-driven services to encourage greater public involvement and promote positive leadership in the country.
