The Paschal Dike Public Speaking Competition, PDSPC has firmly established itself as a flagship platform for grooming articulate, confident, and socially conscious young leaders in Nigeria.
Now in its ninth edition, the 2025 competition once again showcased the transformative power of youth expression, drawing top-performing students from government senior secondary schools across Lagos State.
Held on July 26, 2025, at the Watercrest Hotel in Ikeja, this year’s edition gathered finalists from five districts, each representing the finest minds from public schools. The theme, “From Protest to Produce: How Youth Can Drive Effective Change in Nigeria,” challenged participants to go beyond rhetoric and explore tangible solutions for national transformation.
Jakande Estate Comprehensive Senior College, representing District 2, emerged as the overall winner with an impressive 195 points scored over two rounds of passionate, insightful presentations.
The school walked away with the grand prize of ₦300,000 and two reading tablets. Oregun Senior High School, Oshodi (District 6), secured second place with 175 points, earning ₦100,000, while Ajegunle Senior High School, Maryland (District 2), clinched third place and received ₦50,000.
The remaining finalists, Tomia Community Senior Secondary School, Agege (District 1), and Eletu-Odibo Senior High School, Yaba (District 4) were also recognized for their effort and participation.
The competition drew a vibrant audience of educators, advocates, and past winners. Notable attendees included past presidents of JCI Lagos City from 2021 and 2022, the current 2025 President, JCIN Ambassador Omolola Ayeni, who delivered the welcome address members of other JCI chapters, and district education officers from the Lagos State Ministry of Education.
The presence of former PDSPC champions such as Rasaq Iyiola (2021), Adekoya Ogooluwa (2023), and Olutoki Oyinkansola (2024) added to the event’s legacy and prestige.
Beyond being a contest of eloquence, the PDSPC is a platform for advocacy, thought leadership, and civic education. The event underscored the idea that change in Nigeria does not require permission it demands bold ideas, strategic action, and youth-driven solutions. The students’ speeches reflected a deep understanding of national challenges and the role of young people in shaping a better future.
In his closing remarks, the convener, Mr. Paschal Dike, 2016 JCI World President and CEO of Excel 360 Plus Ltd and Dega Multi Concept Ltd reiterated the importance of investing in Nigeria’s future through platforms like PDSPC.
“It is our responsibility to invest in the next generation. As a public speaker, I chose this competition to build the confidence of young Nigerians who will one day be the changemakers this country needs,” he said.
Dike emphasized that for the past nine years, the competition has consistently offered students in public schools a stage to amplify their voices, nurture leadership, and engage meaningfully with national issues. He reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining and expanding the initiative in years to come.