The I Beg To Differ Students Debate – Tournament of Champions came to a thrilling conclusion as Godsgoodness Kokoette of Rivers State edged out Lagos State’s Olajolo Akinoluwa in a razor-thin contest to claim the ultimate debate crown.
A Nail-Biting Grand Final
The final debate, held under the theme “Nigeria’s Democracy Has Failed,” saw both debaters deliver powerful arguments, showcasing not only their mastery of logic and rhetoric but also their ability to frame Nigeria’s political realities in compelling ways.
Adding depth to their performance, the finalists also made presentations on “Legacy,” impressing judges and audiences alike with their ability to connect ideas of leadership, governance, and personal impact to the debate floor.
When the scores were tallied, Kokoette narrowly defeated Akinoluwa by just half a point, with 174 points against 173.5 — a result that underscored the intensity of the match and the closeness in talent between the two finalists.
Battle for Third Place
Earlier, Ifeoluwa Olaiya and Majesty Ojochegbe went head-to-head in the third-place playoff, debating the motion “Is Life Meaningless Without Religion?” The contest sparked passionate exchanges about faith, philosophy, and purpose.
After a spirited showing, Majesty Ojochegbe emerged victorious, securing third place and affirming their place among the tournament’s brightest young minds.
Celebrating Young Voices
The Tournament of Champions brought together some of Nigeria’s sharpest students in a showcase of intellect, eloquence, and courage. From the preliminary rounds to the Grand Final, the debates highlighted pressing issues — democracy, governance, faith, and legacy — while giving a platform to the next generation of leaders to test their ideas before a national audience.
In the end, Godsgoodness Kokoette stood tallest, writing his name in the history books as the Tournament of Champions winner, but the competition affirmed a broader truth: Nigeria’s future is rich with voices ready to challenge, persuade, and lead.
