By Our Correspondent
Universities in Anambra State have been invited to participate in the South East Campus Debate, Anambra edition, with the competition offering a cash prize of up to ₦1million to the eventual champions.
The competition, sponsored by businessman and philanthropist, Chief Dr Ikenna Okafor, through his companies and the Idi Ezeani Nzekwuabuo Foundation, is aimed at promoting intellectual development, critical thinking and persuasive communication among undergraduates.
Speaking during a press briefing to announce the commencement of the competition, Okafor said the initiative was designed to encourage students to devote more attention to issues affecting their future and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He said the preliminary rounds would hold on October 17 and 18, 2026, while the grand finale was scheduled for October 31.
Okafor, who recalled his participation in quiz and debate competitions during his school days, said he was committed to reviving the culture of intellectual contests among young people.
He observed that while entertainment events attracted considerable attention, there was a need to create more platforms for students to engage in informed discussions and develop their reasoning abilities.
The participating institutions invited 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.
According to the sponsor, the competition is 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.
He described these benefits as lasting rewards beyond the monetary prizes.
Okafor said the initiative was being sponsored through Keves Global Leasing Limited, Ideal Agro Allied Produce Limited, makers of Afrirootz Foods, and the Idi Ezeani Nzekwuabuo Foundation, established in memory of his late father, Chief Paulinus Okafor.
He explained that the foundation had supported pupils and students at primary, secondary and university levels, as well as persons living with sickle cell disease, blind students and widows. It had also intervened in schools in Akwaeze and other communities where assistance was needed.
He thanked the management of Mac Clem Marketing for bringing the debate initiative to him and appealed to the media to publicise the competition to encourage wider participation and support for intellectual development among young Nigerians.
Okafor, who is also known as Ide Akwaeze na Neni, said the Anambra edition was only the beginning of a project he hoped to expand in the future.
