The Social Communications Department of the Catholic Diocese of Aba & publishers of Rex Newspaper and Bulletin.
29/01/2025
EKEREMGBA AKPAUCHE SEMI-FINAL DEBATE
By: Marcel Tochi
The event which started with an opening prayer led by Fr. Augustine Nwankpa (Principal St. Mary Major College Abayi Ariaria), kick-started with inviting participants to the debating ground and that was done by Nwaada Ezinne Mmadu (Oyooyo).
St. Peter Model Secondary school, ably represented by Eze Chidera and Nkemjurumafo Joseph were proposing that “I ji Asụsụ Igbo akụzi ihe n'ụlọ akwụkwọ ga-amịta
Mkpụrụ karịa I ji Asụsụ bekee", while St. Paul Secondary School ably represented by Ibeamalu Chidalu and Igbo Chiemela were opposing same topic.
In the same vein, St. Mary Major College Abayi Ariaria, ably represented by Chukwuma Michael Ikenna were proposing that “Onye Igbo ị za aha Igbo ka mma karia I za aha bekee", while Resurrection Model Academy ably represented by Kosarachi Boniface and Nnamdi Jessica were opposing same topic.
At the end of both debates, the Chief Judge Okankuzi Ikonne before announcing the results praised all the contestants, she stated how hard they fought like champions, to make it to the Semi-finals. According to her, it is not about winning, but about students articulating their points and thoughts freely in Igbo language, despite the shortness of time, for preparation.
The results were as follows:
St. Paul Secondary School - 89%
St. Peter Model Secondary School - 78%
St. Mary Major College Abayi Ariaria -86.3%
Resurrection Model Academy - 71%
The Finals and Grand Finale of the EKEREMGBA AKPAUCHE Debate holds on Friday 31st January, 2025 and it will be between St. Paul Secondary School and St. Mary Major College Abayi Ariaria.
In his speech, the founder of the EKEREMGBA AKPAUCHE DEBATE, Rev. Fr. Onyinyechi Aneto noted that he wished all schools have won, because they all competed favourably in dishing out their points, in undiluted Igbo language, yet we are all learning from each other in the competition and that is the essence of the EKEREMGBA AKPAUCHE DEBATE. He noted that he saw all their preparations and many sacrifices to get to the Semi-finals of the competition, which is highly commendable and impressive.
The schools that made it to the finals, came forward and picked their topic for the final competition on Friday. Other announcements regarding the Grand Finale on Friday were dished out, then the closing prayers was led by Rev. Fr. Vincent Oguguo at about 3:48pm.
