By Charles Igwe
In a resounding display of intellectual prowess, the debate team from Archbishop Heerey Technical College, Ogidi, a renowned institution under the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, emerged victorious at the highly competitive Rotary Club of Awka GRA Debate Championship. The event, which featured schools from various parts of the state, witnessed Archbishop Heerey Technical College’s four-man team outshining their counterparts to claim the coveted title.
The winning team, consisting of Chigozie Joseph, Osita David, Obi Stanley, and Alexander Chibuzor, delivered exceptional individual and team performances, showcasing the depth of their debating skills. Particularly noteworthy was Obi Stanley, a student in SS2, who captivated the audience and judges, earning him the prestigious “Best Speaker” Individual Award.
Behind this triumph stands Mr. Anthony Chiezie, a dedicated academic staff member of the school. A former student retained by the institution, Mr. Chiezie played a pivotal role in motivating and preparing the students for the intense competition. His commitment reflects the school’s vision for youth development and empowerment, as envisioned by Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke.
Speaking to Trinitas press after the victory, Rev. Fr. Peter Nwadimkpa, the school manager, expressed gratitude to God for the remarkable achievement. He extended congratulations to everyone involved in making the victory a reality and emphasized the school’s commitment to achieving even greater strides and accomplishments. Fr. Nwadimkpa highlighted the school’s goal of projecting its excellence to the world.
In a special mention, Fr. Nwadimkpa expressed gratitude to Archbishop Valerian Okeke, who is celebrating his 70th birthday. He commended the Archbishop for his unparalleled accomplishments in various aspects of life, particularly in the education sector within the Archdiocese.
This victory adds to the recent successes of Archbishop Heerey Technical College, as a few months ago, Alexander Chibuzor, a student from the school, secured the second position in the 2023 Mike Okonkwo National Essay Contest held in Lagos. For this outstanding feat, Chibuzor was awarded a total sum of N250,000, and a set of computers was given to the school.
Archbishop Heerey Technical College, Ogidi, joins the league of archdiocesan schools that have been consistently achieving excellence on both national and global academic stages. Notable institutions such as All Hallows Seminary Onitsha, Mater Amabilis Umoji, and Regina Pacis Secondary School have all contributed to the impressive track record of the Archdiocese in the field of education throughout the calendar year.
