The fourth edition of JCI Osogbo Elite has unveiled more secondary students with outstanding speaking prowess during its Abiola Patrick Public Speaking Competition (ABPSC) 4.0 which held at Lead British International School, Osogbo, Osun State recently.

The public speaking competition focused on the thought-provoking topic; “Building Bridges, Not Walls: The Role of Education in Promoting Global Peace” involving five schools: Government Technical College Osogbo, Christ African Church Grammar School, Lead British International School, Ataoja School of Science, and Bishop Felix Owolabi International School.

According to the convener, the Convener and Charter President JCI Osogbo Elite, Abiola Patrick, this year’s competition also aimed at showcasing the talents of secondary school students in the art of public speaking.

Patrick, during his remarks, challenged the students to continue to upskill their public speaking prowess and see a reason to be the next generation of leaders who will be able to express themselves carefully with words wherever they find themselves.

He stated how public speaking skills have continued to help him in his career and what it has made him become as a person, he expressed his joy for the success of the fourth edition and promised to do more in the coming years.

The event was graced by distinguished guests, including representatives from JCI Nigeria. Notable attendees included JCI Nigeria 2025 Executive Vice President for Southwest, JCIN Ambassador Akinbode Abitogun; 2025 Director of Programs and Projects JCI Nigeria Southwest, JCIN Ambassador Babatunde Odunaya and members were also in attendance.

2025 JCI Osogbo Elite President Tadenikawo Ipoola noted that the APPSC is an initiative providing a platform for young students to share their thoughts on promoting global peace through education.

“The event’s impact is expected to undoubtedly be felt beyond the competition itself, inspiring a new generation of leaders to become bridge-builders in their communities” Ipoola assured.

A panel of esteemed judges, comprising Chief Judge Ayo Ologun, Ibukunoluwa Otesile, Mayowa Abiola and Awotunde Omotola Mariam evaluated the participants’ speeches. The judges’ thoughtful feedback and expert insights added significant value to the learning of the young orators.

In the spirit of International Women’s Day commemoration, one of the Panel of Judges; Executive Director, HOSEC Foundation, Ibukunoluwa Otesile took a moment to address the students. She encouraged the girls to strive for excellence, break barriers, and become agents of positive change in their communities.

However, she also emphasized that taking care of women and promoting gender equality is not just a women’s issue, but a collective responsibility.

Judge Oteshile urged the boys and men present to stand as strong allies for women, to support and uplift them while recognizing that promoting gender equality benefits everyone.

She emphasized that this starts with the relationships they build with the women in their lives and that by working together, we can create a more just and equitable society.

After an intense competition, the winners emerged and the first position was secured by Bishop Felix Owolabi International School, whose representatives demonstrated exceptional public speaking skills and a deeper understanding of the topic.

The second position was clinched by a representative of Lead British International School, whose representatives delivered an outstanding speech that impressed the judges and audience alike, while the third position went to Ataoja School of Science, whose students also impressed the judges with their exceptional public speaking skills.

A certificate of attendance was shared to all the participants of the competition.