Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra State will represent Nigeria at an international debate competition in Dubai after the state added another feather to her long list of national honours.
The latest of the laurels came over the weekend from the President’s Schools Debate Nigeria.
The tournament which was organised by the President’s Schools Debate Nigeria, held at the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters in Abuja from the 10th to the 14th of July 2023, witnessed spirited debates from various states across the nation.
The awards won by Anambra State include the Best Performing Commissioner for Education in South-East Nigeria, presented to the Anambra State Commissioner for Education— Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh; the Best Performing Desk Officer Fully Committed to the Development of School Debate Program in Nigeria, presented to the Principal of Capital City Secondary School, Awka —Mrs Amaka Anekwe; and the Second Prize won by the Solution Debate Team (from Anambra State) at the President’s Schools Debate Championship.
In a statement, the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Ministry of Education, Mr. Nnaemeka Egwuonwu, said the awards were presented at the closing ceremonies of the 2023 Democracy Day President’s Inter Senior Secondary Schools Debate Championship.
While noting that the award presented to the Commissioner was in recognition of her excellent service in the promotion of education, he also added that the Solution Debate Team showcased their skills, “while speaking convincingly and arguing constructively with co-contestants at the event.”
He said: “The tournament, held at the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters in Abuja from the 10th to the 14th of July 2023, witnessed spirited debates from various states across the nation.
“Anambra State proudly showcased exceptional talents, represented by Okey-Okonkwo John from All Hallows Seminary Onitsha; Okafor Obioma and Mmadugafor Chiamaka of Mater Amabilis Secondary School Umuoji; Anikwuolum Adaeze of Queen of the Rosary College Onitsha; and Nwamgbada Annabel of Capital City Secondary School Awka.
He also added that Anambra’s outstanding performance at the debate had secured a slot for the state to represent Nigeria in an upcoming international debate competition coming in 2024 in Dubai, UAE.
“Under the guidance of the State Debate Coaches, John Onuigbo and Chiagozie Udorji, and the coordination of Mrs Amaka Anekwe, the team’s remarkable performance secured their spot as worthy representatives of Nigeria at the upcoming international debate competition in Dubai in 2024,” he said.
