The Bayelsa Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) has said its commitment to enhancing quality educational across all levels in Bayelsa is absolute

Dr Alice Atuwo, Executive Secretary of the EDTF stated this on Thursday at the grand finale of the Secondary Schools Debate sponsored by the fund.

It was learnt that the Schools Debate, a programme on Glory FM Radio Bayelsa has ran for 14 years but was rejuvenated by the support of the EDTF in 2024.

Atuwo explained that programmes like the Schools Debate develops critical thinking and effective communication as well as self confidence amongst the youths.

“As the Executive Secretary of EDTF, I am proud to support initiatives that promote academic excellence, critical thinking and effective communication amongst students.

“This debate competition has brought together talented students from across the state and I am excited to witness their intellectual prowess.

“The EDTF’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education in Bayelsa is absolute as we believe that programmes like this are essential in achieving that goal.

“By encouraging students to engage in respectful dialogue, critical thinking and creative expression, we are empowering them to become active citizens and future leaders,” Atuwo said.

The competition saw Community Secondary School (CSS) Ekeremor emerge as the winner of the 2025 edition of the Bayelsa Schools Debate.

The topic for the finals was, “Everyone is a Thief”.

The Government Comprehensive Secondary School Tungbo clinched the second place, as Government Secondary School Twon Brass came third while Community Secondary School Kolo came fourth.

The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, led other dignitaries to present trophies and cash gifts to the winning schools.

Master Honey Kemeagbeyei of CSS Ekeremor and Miss Godgift Peter of Government Secondary School Twon Brass, expressed gratitude to the EDTF and their teachers, as well as their mentors in preparing them for the competition.

Peter received the award for the overall Best Speaker in the contest.

Speaking earlier, Mrs Akpobire Mohammed, Coordinator of the Bayelsa Schools debate recalled that she that she was driven by the passion to instil confidence in students to initiate the competition 14 years ago on Radio Bayelsa.

She expressed delight that the Schools Debate she pioneered from her personal funds 14 years ago has grown in leaps and bounds adding that the sponsorship by EDTF saved the programme from going extinct.