New Telegraph 
JCI Lagos City proudly announces the much-anticipated Grand Finale of the Pascal Dike Public Speaking Competition (PDPSC) 8.0. This prestigious event, which has become a hallmark of academic and intellectual excellence in Lagos, will take place on Saturday, 28th September 2024, at the elegant L’eola Hotel, located at Magambo Close, Maryland, Lagos.
The event will mark the culmination of a thrilling competition that has empowered and inspired secondary school students to voice their perspectives on significant issues affecting society.
The grand finale promises to be an exciting showdown, where students from five schools—after months of preparation and the competition will deliver compelling speeches on the topic “Balancing Academic Excellence With Extracurricular Engagement: Strategies For Nigerian Students.”
This theme speaks directly to the challenges faced by students striving to excel in their academics while participating in vital extracurricular activities, preparing them for the complexities of modern life and leadership roles.
The Finalists: Champions of the Future
The competition began with 30 secondary schools from four districts across Lagos State, competing in the preliminaries held from 18th to 20th September 2024. These schools tackled the crucial issue of “Promoting Mental Well-Being Among Nigerian Students.”
After intense rounds of competition, the field has been narrowed to five exceptional schools, who will now vie for the title of PDPSC 8.0 champion:
- Agege District 1:
-Alimosho Senior Grammar School
– Lagos State Model Senior College, Meiran
- Maryland District 2:
– Government Senior Model College, Owutu
- Yaba District 4:
– Itolo Girls Senior Secondary School
- Oshodi District 6:
– Babs Fafunwa Senior Secondary School
These schools have shown outstanding dedication and talent, and their finalists are set to captivate the audience with their eloquence, critical thinking, and innovative ideas for navigating the dual demands of academics and extracurricular activities.
Esteemed Judges And Special Guests
A panel of highly respected professionals and renowned public speaking coaches will assess the performances of the finalists, ensuring that the competition maintains its standard of excellence. In addition, the event will feature the special appearance of officials from NAFDAC, lending further prestige to the grand finale and reinforcing the competition’s importance within both the educational and broader societal landscape.
Prizes for the Winners
In recognition of their hard work, creativity, and brilliance, the winners of PDPSC 8.0 will be awarded state-of-the-art tablets, designed to support their ongoing education and personal development. In addition to these prizes, cash rewards and consolation prizes will be presented to all participants, ensuring that each finalist is recognized for their extraordinary efforts and achievements.
A Legacy Of Empowerment and Change
The Pascal Dike Public Speaking Competition was established in 2016 by JCI Lagos City to honour the incredible legacy of JCI Senator Pascal Dike, who served as the 2016 JCI World President. Senator Dike is a dedicated advocate for global peace and unity, having championed the theme “Peace is Possible” during his tenure. This competition serves not only as a platform for young people to develop critical public speaking skills but also as a means of promoting peace through dialogue, understanding, and thoughtful leadership.
Aligning With Global Development Goals
The PDPSC is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. By encouraging secondary school students to address contemporary challenges and propose innovative solutions, the competition fosters a culture of active citizenship and leadership. Students are challenged to become critical thinkers and communicators who can contribute meaningfully to solving both local and global issues.
Since its inception, the PDPSC has been a pivotal event that not only nurtures the art of public speaking but also inspires youth to engage deeply with issues such as education, mental health, leadership, and community service.
Highlights of the Grand Finale
This year’s grand finale will be an event of distinction, featuring not only the speeches of the finalists but also a series of exciting highlights, including a keynote address by prominent dignitaries, guest appearances from NAFDAC officials, and other notable figures who are committed to fostering education and leadership among Nigerian youth.
The PDPSC 8. O Chairperson, Martins Adegboyega, who spearheaded this year’s edition of the competition, expressed his excitement:
“We are thrilled to see these talented students from across Lagos come together to showcase their skills and ideas. This competition goes beyond public speaking—it’s about fostering leadership, encouraging innovative thinking, and building a brighter future for our youth.”
Martins worked alongside the 2024 Local Organization President of JCI Lagos City, Adeola Alfred, and his esteemed committee to ensure that this year’s competition reached new heights of excellence, providing students with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow and develop.
Join Us at the Grand Finale
JCI Lagos City invites the public to attend and witness the remarkable talents of Lagos’s brightest young minds as they compete for the title of PDPSC 8.0 Champion. The grand finale will be a celebration of youth, education, and empowerment, promising an afternoon of inspiration and excitement.
For additional information, please contact:
– Adeola Alfred (2024 President): 07030889465, aalfred@jci.ng
– Martins Adegboyega (PDPSC Chairperson): 07088540844
– www.jci.ng, lagoscityjaycees@gmail.com
About JCI Lagos City:
JCI Lagos City is a chapter of Junior Chamber International (JCI), a global nonprofit organization that empowers young people to create positive change in their communities through leadership development, entrepreneurship, and community service.
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Paschal Dike Public Speaking Competition 2024
