Her-Rising, a girls' empowerment and leadership initiative, successfully hosted an inter-school debate competition on 5th February, 2026, bringing together secondary school students from across Lagos to engage in intellectual discourse, confidence building, and leadership development.
The event, which commenced promptly at 10:00 a.m., featured a thought-provoking debate on the topic:
"Environment determines your success more than talent."
The competition provided a platform for students to showcase critical thinking, public speaking skills, and intellectual confidence, while fostering healthy academic rivalry among participating schools.
Participating Schools and Debaters
The debate featured students from six secondary schools:
* Lavender Crest Academy:
Samuel Mary, Ishajimi Temiloluwa
* Zion Kingdom Schools:
Oputa Favour, Okoye Ifunanya
* Royal Sunshine Academy:
Thompson Deborah, Obinna Success
* Great Lilies International College:
John Divine, Ikwemonisan Darasimi
* Havanah College:
Abiodun Anuoluwapo, Sanni Khadijat
* Rewarding Field School:
Presley Monalisa, Eze Chikeme
Judging Panel
The competition was assessed by a distinguished panel of judges comprising:
* Mrs. Angel Efe Bubai
* Mrs. Tonia Efe Igbruke
* Ms. Precious Oriero
The judges evaluated participants based on clarity, content, confidence, logical reasoning, and overall delivery.
Winners and Special Recognitions
At the end of the competition:
* Royal Sunshine Academy emerged Third Place
* Lavender Crest Academy secured Second Place
* Great Lilies International College emerged Overall Winner
The Best Speaker Award was presented to John Divine of Great Lilies International College for her exceptional delivery and intellectual depth.
In addition, the Spelling Bee Champion Award was won by Samuel Mary of Lavender Crest Academy.
Teachers' Excellence Awards
In recognition of outstanding commitment to student development, teachers from participating schools were honoured:
Royal Sunshine Academy
* Mrs. Adeyemi Folashade Lydia
* Miss Fausat Omolara Olakanpo
Zion Kingdom Schools
* Ms. Glory Okon
* Mrs. Precious Isakpa
Lavender Crest Academy
* Mrs. Ogechukwu Michael
* Mrs. Toye Margaret
Rewarding Field School
* Amarachi Ozioma Onyemaobi
* Mrs. Titi Mokuolo
Great Lilies International College
* Mrs. Adesola Abikoye
* Mrs. Isioma Bamidele
Havanah College
* Mrs. Okpako Mariam
* Mrs. Igwe Peace
Organisers and Support
Her-Rising is founded and led by Loretta Uyoyo Adewoyin, a writer, educator, and youth development advocate, who serves as the visionary behind the initiative.
The event was supported by Ms. Mercy Aya (Miss Bella), Director of Bell's Consultancy Limited, as the supporting brand, while Notch Gadgets served as one of the event sponsors.
Event Team and Volunteers
The programme was anchored by Joy Nnaji Olayide, who served as the Master of Ceremonies.
The coordination team included:
* Assistant: Eniola Olafare
* Time Keeper: Alaje Hadassah Tanitoluwa
* Protocol Lead: Roseline Ibeh
* Registration & Data: Cherish Igbruke and Arabella Aya
* Media Lead: Oghenekome Bozin
* Hall Coordinator: Chidera Chukwuzubelu
Impact
The Her-Rising inter-school debate reinforced the importance of nurturing confidence, communication skills, and leadership capacity in young people, especially girls. The initiative continues to position itself as a transformative platform for empowering the next generation of confident, articulate, and purpose-driven leaders.