Djebi Mark wins Prof. Simbine and Sir Okoosi’s 60th birthday interschool debate

Djebi Mark has emerged winner of the Interschool debate commemorating the 60th Birthday celebration of the Director General of NISER Professor Antonia Simbine and her twin brother Sir’ Anthony Okoosi.

At the debate, Nigerian Youths called for an end to Female Genitile Mutilation among the girl children.

The Students from 10 schools in Ojoo area of Oyo state during the  Inter-School Competition commemorating the fabulous twins saw Eminent Personalities in the academic field as well as researchers embracing the outstanding performance of the students saying everyone must come together to save the future of girls in Nigeria from Female Genitile Mutilation.

According to the students, many girls after Mutilation have bled to death, while some suffer during child birth in their Reproductive age, others face one challenges or the other emanating from FGM.

The students were drawn from senior secondary schools like Ojoo High school, Sam Adegbite secondary school, Aroro Community School, Gofamint secondary school, Army Day secondary school, University of Ibadan International school, Abadina Secondary school among others.

The Chairperson of the occasion Prof. Adanze Asinobi, in her opening remarks emphasized that addressing FGM requires a collective effort, with communities, governments, and organizations working together to eliminate the practice and protect the rights and well-being of women and girls.

Prof. Asinobi also spoke on the menace of FGM, calling for awareness creation in every parts of the country, as this would help in preventing the continuity of harmful practices in Nigeria and the world at large.

During the students stage contest, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) was described as unlawful practice of altering the female genital organs for non-medical reasons, which is recognized as a severe violation of human rights.

The students, in one voice, agreed it was time for people to put an end to the practice and allow female children to grow up free from harm, make their own choices, and to live healthy, fulfilling lives without the trauma of genital mutilation.

The Guest Speaker, Mrs Oloruntomiwa Oyetunde, Program Coordinator, Center for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health(CCPRH) noted that FGM represents a severe violation of human rights.

Oyetunde who noted that FGM can lead to scarring, infections, and complications that may contribute to infertility in the long run, stressed further that the practice is still ongoing despite the widespread awareness of its dangers and the legal frameworks against it.

“This persistent practice, she emphasized, need to be addressed through education and advocacy”.

Prof. Antonia Simbine along with her twin brother Sir’ Anthony Okoosi expressed their gratitude to every one for the honor, acknowledging the importance of nurturing young talent. “I am deeply honored to witness the creativity, passion, and dedication of the students here today”.

Earlier, the organiser of the debate, Gender Alive Foundation (GAF) a non governmental organisation led by the County Lead, Mr Yinka Adeniran spoke extensively on the role Gender Alive foundation has been playing in the society as well as support being given to women and children

He said that the NGO will continue to strengthen efforts made by individual and organisations to support the vulnerable groups.


At the end of the competition, the student from Abadina College, JB Mark came first while the second place went to the student from the International high School, UI, Army day school, King college school.

The event was packaged by Gender Alive Foundation ( GAF).