By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The grand finale of the Olu of Warri Inter-Collegiate Quiz and Debate Competition turned into a celebration of brilliance and youthful potential on Friday as International Unity School and Dore-Numa College, both located in Warri South Local Government Area, emerged as overall winners.
The intellectually charged contest, hosted in honour of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, tested students’ proficiency in English, general sciences, and critical thinking through a stimulating debate on the theme: Should Genetic Modification Be Allowed for Human Enhancement?
Each of the top winners International Unity School for the quiz and Dore-Numa College for the debate walked away with a cash prize of N10 million. Other standout performers were also rewarded: World of Faith School received N2 million for finishing second in the quiz, while Benchil Secondary School and Our Saviour School won N1 million and N500,000 respectively for third and fourth place. In the debate category, Delta College, Egbokodo Secondary School, and Rise International School claimed second, third, and fourth positions with the same monetary rewards.
Speaking shortly after the results were announced, the Olu of Warri, who was represented by Chief Dr. Engr. Wilson Olleh, applauded all participants for their outstanding efforts.
“They are all winners regardless of their positions. They have made us proud, and I encourage them to keep striving for academic excellence,” he said.
Chairman of the Cora-Care Foundation, Collins Edema, whose organisation powered the event, described the competition as a platform to honour knowledge, intelligence and hard work. Represented by Coker Tuoyo, he revealed that a total of 64 schools had participated since the kickoff in January.
“This has been a journey of determination and brilliance. I commend every student who took part. They’ve given their best, and this is just the beginning of greater things,” Edema said.
Principals and students from the winning schools expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Olu of Warri and the organisers for creating such a prestigious stage to encourage academic excellence.
The high point of the event was the ceremonial presentation of giant cheques to thunderous applause from students, staff, and guests who gathered to witness the grand celebration of intellect.