20/04/2025
2025 IKASOUTH BEST STUDENT CHALLENGE:- FOUNDER, AGHOLOR DENNIS KELUBIA, OPENING SPEECH , 2ND APRIL Ika South Local Government Council in
Delta State Government
Esteemed guests, distinguished students, valued educators, and members of the community,
It is with immense pleasure and profound gratitude that I welcome you to the closing ceremony of the inaugural 2025 Ika South Best Student Challenge, hosted by the Denkelly Charity and Empowerment Foundation, here at the esteemed Ika National Hall.
My personal journey, commencing with a distinguished early education at Obika Primary School, Agbor, instilled within me a lifelong commitment to the transformative power of learning. This foundational experience, coupled with subsequent education at Imeobi Secondary School, has shaped my perspective as a businessman, a family man, and now, a dedicated advocate for educational advancement.
As Benjamin Franklin wisely stated, βAn investment in knowledge pays the best interest.β This principle resonates deeply with my belief that a robust education yields enduring returns, not only in professional success but also in personal fulfillment. The cultivation of a thirst for knowledge is the cornerstone of individual achievement and societal progress.
However, the acquisition of knowledge alone is insufficient. We must also nurture the virtues of character, integrity, and ethical conduct. This holistic approach, fostered by the dedicated principals and teachers, ensures that our students are equipped to make positive and meaningful contributions to society.
In an era characterized by complex challenges, it is imperative that our youth possess the intellectual acumen, moral fortitude, and unwavering resolve to navigate these complexities. I am confident that the participants of the 2025 Ika South Best Student Challenge, having benefited from the mentorship and enrichment provided by the Denkelly Foundation, will emerge as exemplary leaders, distinguished by their integrity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to positive impact.
My own cherished memories of Obika Primary School and Imeobi Secondary School, public institutions that fostered academic excellence despite resource constraints, serve as a testament to the potential within every student. We are here today to sow the seeds of greatness, creating a legacy of educational opportunity and inspiration for generations to come.
The Denkelly Foundation envisions the Ika South Best Student Challenge as an annual initiative, a catalyst for educational motivation and achievement. We extend a sincere call to government agencies, stakeholders, philanthropists, community advocates, and all who value education to join us in supporting this vision. Our aspiration is to expand this program, encompassing all public schools in the Ika community and beyond, ultimately reaching students throughout Nigeria.
We believe that educational motivation unlocks the latent potential within every individual. Through collaborative efforts, we can empower our youth to achieve their full potential and contribute to a brighter future for our society.
Thank you.
Agholor Dennis Kelubia (MCSN)
President
Denkelly Charity and Empowerment Foundation
(2025) Denkelly foundation