By Michael Ovat -Awka
In line with his commitment to contributing to the development of quality education in Nigeria and to keep the youths abreast of developments in all areas of life, a prominent businessman/philanthropist, Chief Sir Dr Ikenna Okafor (Ide Awkweze), has unveiled his maiden campus debate competition for University students across South East zone of Nigeria.
The maiden edition, tagged; Anambra edition, will featured a debate competition between students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) Awka, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam (COOU), 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 during a press briefing, held at Mr Smith Hotel in Awka, on Saturday, October 10th, 2026 as part of activities for the programme, Chief Okafor said the tournament aimed at reawakening the students to study hard for a better tomorrow.
He said the Anambra edition is a test-run for the initiative.
According to him, “This debate is sponsored through the instrumentality of some of my companies i.e. Keves Global Leasing Limited, Ideal Agro Allied Produce Limited makers of Afrirootz Foods and Idi Ezeani Nzekwuabuo foundation founded to immortalize my late iconic and exemplary dad, Chief Paulinus Okafor (Nzekwuabuo).
“Through this foundation, we have demonstrated in unmistakable terms the ideology of being our brother’s keeper by
sponsoring pupils and students from primary, secondary and university.
“Support for persons living with sickle cell, Support for blind students, Support of widows, Intervention in all the schools in Akwaeze community in Anaocha Local Government Area of the State in particular and others as the need arises.
About 250 students have also benefitted from the foundation.
“Our mantra is ‘‘o ko ko koo, onye enyelu ya nye’’. You are welcome every 28 December to witness the whole story of this foundation.
In tandem with my dream that our students/leaders of tomorrow should spare a good portion of their time discussing matters that affect our future and become champions and drivers of it, we decided to engage the intellect of our students in this direction.
“There are already enough event in arts and entertainment, Big brother Naija etc.
I recall with nostalgia that I was one of the best debaters in my time, having worn laurels for my alma mater at quiz and debate competitions.
“We need to see the tradition continues and improved upon.
“All accredited universities in Anambra state have been invited to participate; 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.
“There are a myriad of topics to be discussed, preliminaries of the debate will be held on the 17 and 18 October 2026 while the grand finale will be on 31 October 2026.
“The rewards of the debate is eternal – building your intellect and sharpening persuasive skills but there are still monetary rewards up to ₦1,000,000 for the champions.
“This is just a starting point, we shall grow this dream, he noted.
While appreciating the management of Mac Clem Marketing for initiating the idea, Okafor implore the media to spread the gospel far and wide as contribution in making Nigeria a greater nation.
