Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has awarded a total of Fifteen Million Naira to the winners of the 042 Debate Tournament, an event organized by the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Culture and Self-Development. The tournament, held at the PPSMB Hall in Enugu, aims to foster intellectual discourse among young people in the state.
In recognition of the winners, the first prize was awarded a sum of Fifteen Million Naira, with the first runner-up receiving Five Million Naira and the second runner-up Two Million Naira. The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, represented Dr. Mbah at the event and reiterated the administration's commitment to nurturing critical thinking and enhancing educational quality in Enugu State.
Prof. Onyia emphasized that the 042 Debate Tournament marked a successful start in encouraging intellectual engagement among youths and announced plans to expand the initiative across various educational levels. The debate series is set to extend to secondary and primary schools, with a focus on "Smart Green Schools," to build young individuals capable of competing with their global peers.
Highlighting the broader vision for the program, Prof. Onyia noted that future competitions at the post-secondary level would address diverse educational themes, not limited to debate, to further enrich participants' learning experiences. He urged all participants, particularly the champions, to apply the insights gained from the tournament in their everyday lives, establishing themselves as leaders and standard-bearers within society.
Dera Okenwa, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Culture and Self-Development and organizer of the event, explained that the debate addressed a variety of social issues affecting the youth, aiming to test and enhance their intellectual capabilities.
One of the contestants, Emmanuel Nwuze, expressed gratitude on behalf of his peers, thanking the State Government for the platform provided by the debate. He acknowledged that the tournament had given them a unique opportunity to contribute to Enugu State's development and promised to apply the knowledge they gained for both personal growth and the benefit of others.
The 042 Debate Tournament reflects Enugu State's ongoing commitment to youth development, aiming to produce future leaders equipped with critical thinking skills and a sense of social responsibility.
