By Michael Ovat -Awka
As part of his continue commitment towards 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 awarded eight million naira scholarship to a final year medic student of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Awka, Mr Nnaemeka Victor.
Okafor announced the award while speaking shortly after the University was declared winner of his maiden campus debate competition for University students across South East zone of Nigeria tagged; ‘South East Campus Debate” (Anambra State edition), held at Bethel City Auditorium in Onitsha, on Saturday, October 31st, 2026.
The debate competition aimed at ensuring that students imbibe confidence and critical thinking culture, and to open their eyes to entrepreneurial opportunities after graduation.
The school scored the highest points and beat three others co-contesters to smile home with a sum of 1million as well as other exciting prizes.
Paul University Awka, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam and Anambra State College of Nursing Sciences Nkpor clinch the second, third and fourth positions respectively.
The competition saw the debatars going head to head, with some of them explaining the benefits of activist involvement in Politics while the others opposed the motion.
The project coordinator, Amb.Joshua, explained that the focus of the debate is to build confidence on Nigerian students in public speaking and other societal confrontations.
Speaking further, the philanthropist noted the competition 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
“Education is a right, I strongly believe that every Nigerian child should have, if possible free.
“The task to make Nigeria work more more better is the responsibility of everyone and not for government alone.
“My happiest hobby in life is to mentor the upcoming ones in all aspect of human existence.
Okafor commended the Anambra State government under the watch of governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for ensuring a conducive environment before, during and after the event.
He implore the media to spread the gospel far and wide as contribution in making Nigeria a greater nation.
The beneficiary, Mr Nnaemeka Victor, while passionately appreciating the kind gesture, appeal to Nigerian leaders to follow in the good steps of Chief Ikenna Okafor.in providing succour to many Nigerian students, who are financially challenged.
In their separate remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, commissioner for education, Dr Ekene Longinus Ogugua and the member representing Aguata 1 Constituency at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Anayo Okpalaeke, described the benefactor as a mentor and a blessing to humanity.
The event also has in attendance representative of the traditional ruler of Awkweze community, HRM Igwe Christopher Okpala (Ezennebo 111 of Awkweze) and thousands of stakeholders from the education sector.
NewsSetters gathered that the below universities in Anambra state; 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, participated in the maiden contest.
