By Chinedum Treasure
Anambra businessman and philanthropist, Chief Dr Ikenna Okafor, says his sponsorship of the South-East Campus Debate Competition is aimed at promoting intellectual development, critical thinking and public speaking among university students.
The competition, scheduled for October 17, 18 and 31, will feature preliminary rounds and a grand finale, with the eventual champions expected to receive a cash prize of up to ₦1 million, alongside other benefits.
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.
Speaking with journalists on Saturday, Okafor said the initiative was 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.
He explained 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, Okafor said he wanted to revive the culture of intellectual contests among young people.
He noted that the competition would provide students with opportunities to improve their reasoning, public speaking and persuasion skills while discussing issues affecting society and national development.
Okafor also commended Mac Clem Marketing for introducing the idea and expressed hope that the competition would expand in subsequent editions.
His wife, Dr Esther Okafor, urged university students to participate actively, describing the initiative as an opportunity to nurture solution-oriented youths capable of contributing to societal development.
Tags: Ikenna Okafor, Campus Debate, Anambra Education
