Chinedum Treasure
No fewer than ten accredited universities across Anambra State would participate in the South East Campus Debate, Anambra edition sponsored by businessman and philanthropist, Chief Dr Ikenna Okafor.
The competition, scheduled for October 17 – 18 and 31 for the preliminary rounds and the grand finale respectively with cash prize of up to ₦1million to the eventual champions as well as other numerous lasting rewards beyond monetary prizes.
The participating institutions include Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam; Paul University, Awka; Madonna University, Okija; Tansian University, Umunya; Peter University, Achina-Onneh; University on the Niger, Umunya; Shanahan University, Onitsha; and Legacy University, Okija.
Addressing newsmen on Saturday, Okafor said the project being funded through his companies, Keves Global Leasing Ltd and Ideal Agro Allied Produce Ltd, makers of Afrirootz Foods, alongside the Idi Ezeani Nzekwuabuo Foundation was targeted at promoting intellectual development, critical thinking and persuasive communication among undergraduates.
He revealed that the foundation was established in honour of his late father, Chief Paulinus Okafor, to support pupils, students, persons living with sickle cell disease, blind students and widows.
Recalling his participation in quiz and debate competitions during his school days, the Philanthropist said he was committed to reviving the culture of intellectual contests among young people.
According to him, while entertainment events attracted considerable attention, it was expedient to create more platforms for students to engage in informed discussions and develop their reasoning abilities.
“This initiative is designed to encourage students to devote more attention to issues affecting their future and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“It is also expected to provide students with opportunities to sharpen their intellectual abilities, improve their public speaking and persuasion skills, and engage with issues of public importance.
“The foundation also intervenes in schools in Akwaeze and other communities where necessary in the state,” he stated.
Expressing appreciation to Mac Clem Marketing for introducing the idea, Okafor described the competition as the beginning of a project expected to expand in subsequent editions.
He appealed to the media to publicise the competition to encourage wider participation and support for intellectual development among young Nigerians.
Also speaking, wife of the sponsor, Dr Esther Okafor charged university students to participate actively in the competition.
“This is a programme that will help build right-thinking, solution-oriented youths with a can-do spirit to drive the desired change in society,” she said.
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