JCI Lagos City Celebrates a Decade of Youth Empowerment as Keke Senior High School Emerges Winner of 10th Paschal Dike Public Speaking Competition
Junior Chamber International (JCI) Lagos City has successfully hosted the 10th edition of the Paschal Dike Public Speaking Competition (PDPSC 10.0), marking a decade of promoting public speaking, critical thinking, confidence and leadership development among public secondary school students in Lagos State.
The milestone edition brought together six public secondary schools drawn from three education districts across Lagos State – Agege, Maryland and Yaba — alongside over 250 guests comprising education stakeholders, professionals, youth development advocates, community leaders and representatives from various sectors.
Organised as part of JCI Lagos City’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of transformational leaders, the competition provided a platform for young students to articulate their ideas, demonstrate intellectual capacity and engage in meaningful discourse on issues affecting society.
At the conclusion of the keenly contested competition, Keke Senior High School, Ifako-Ijaiye, emerged as the overall winner, securing the grand prize of ₦200,000. Community Senior Secondary School, Bayeku, claimed second position, receiving –₦100, 000 while Oriwu Senior Model College finished third, receiving ₦50,000.
The competition featured six schools representing the three participating education districts. From the Agege District were Alimosho Senior Grammar School, Alimosho, and Keke Senior High School, Ifako-Ijaiye. The Maryland District was represented by Community Senior Secondary School, Bayeku, and Oriwu Senior Model College, while Akintan Senior Grammar School and Gbaja Girls Senior High School participated from the Yaba District.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the event celebrated the courage, creativity and intellectual potential of every participating student. Other participants received consolation prizes in recognition of their efforts, reinforcing the initiative’s commitment to inclusion, encouragement and continuous learning.
Now in its tenth edition, the Paschal Dike Public Speaking Competition has evolved into an important youth development initiative of JCI Lagos City, creating opportunities for public secondary school students to develop essential communication and leadership skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Named in honour of JCI Senator Paschal Dike, the 2016 JCI World President, the competition reflects the values of active citizenship, leadership development and service to humanity championed by Junior Chamber International.
The successful hosting of the 2026 edition was made possible through collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening educational opportunities and promoting leadership development among young people.
The initiative also received valuable sponsorship and support from FrieslandCampina, Johnvents Foods, Ayotoni Creative Studios, Sparkles Events Naija and Sapienmulier, whose contributions supported the delivery of the milestone event.
JCI Lagos City expressed its profound appreciation to the Ministry, corporate sponsors, participating schools, teachers, judges, volunteers and other stakeholders for their collective contributions to the success of the competition.
The organisation further reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the reach and impact of the initiative, strengthening partnerships and creating more opportunities for young people to develop the confidence, competence and character required to become responsible leaders.
As the Paschal Dike Public Speaking Competition enters its second decade, JCI Lagos City remains committed to building on the achievements of the past ten editions and sustaining a platform through which young Nigerians can discover their voices, express their ideas and contribute meaningfully to national development.
About JCI Lagos City
Junior Chamber International (JCI) Lagos City is a local organisation affiliated with JCI Nigeria and the global Junior Chamber International network. The organisation is dedicated to providing leadership development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change through individual development, community impact, entrepreneurship and international cooperation.
Through initiatives such as the Paschal Dike Public Speaking Competition, JCI Lagos City continues to promote active citizenship, youth empowerment and sustainable community development.
