Young Voices take the Stage on International Literacy Day 2025

For Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF), the arrival of International Literacy Day meant more than just another day on the calendar. It was an opportunity to demonstrate that literacy is more than just reading and writing; it is about giving young people the tools they need to confront problems in their society and come up with long-term solutions.

Due to this one belief, on September 24, 2025, senior secondary school students from Eppie schools in Irawo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, participated in an interclass debate competition. This debate’s motion was straightforward but thought-provoking:

Food insecurity in Nigeria is a result of poor planning, not poor resources.

The arguments were intelligent and spirited. One side contended that Nigeria has more than enough ability to feed the country due to its lush land, abundant natural resources, and expanding population, but that gaps have been caused by inadequate planning and weak policies. The other side underlined the fact that resources are frequently not as accessible or available as they seem on paper, citing the realities of climate change, poor infrastructure, and restricted access to technology.

The standout feature of this competition was the use of digital debate decks. In line with UNESCO’s theme for this year’s International Literacy Day (Promoting Literacy in a Digital Era), the students prepared their arguments using digital presentation tools, showcasing their ideas, statistics, and images in an organised manner, rather than depending exclusively on handwritten notes. Their presenting abilities were improved by this invention, which also demonstrated how technology can improve literacy and education.

Every point was delivered with passion and clarity, earning applause from the judges, teachers, parents, and peers in attendance. The participants were commended for the confident delivery, logical reasoning and research skills.

Speaking during the event, Lovelyn Okafor Esq., Director of Programmes, CADEF, stated, “At CADEF, one of our greatest commitments is raising young people who can provide solutions to the challenges our country faces. This event was more than just a debate, it was an opportunity to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of our youth.”

This initiative was supported by LearnAfrica, Friesland Campina, and the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), whose contributions ensured the programme was both successful and memorable. Prizes and refreshments were provided, adding to the excitement of the day.

The winners were celebrated at the end of the competition, but the true accomplishment was broader: students went away with improved abilities, increased confidence, and a fresh perspective on the relationship between literacy and real-world issues like food security.

This event confirmed an essential fact for CADEF: literacy is more than just reading and writing; it empowers youth to assess problems, advocate for solutions, and drive change in their communities.

Partner with us today for the 2026 inter-school debate competition and for more of such initiatives.