Governor of Enugu state , Dr Peter Mbah has awarded a sum of Fifteen Million Naira to representatives of Enugu stare University of Science and Technology (ESUT)winner of the 042 Debate Tournament organised by the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Culture and Self-development. with the aimed at encouraging intellectual discourse among young people
The sum of Five Million Naira went to the representatives of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT),Enugu ,1st runner-up, and Two Million Naira to the 2nd runner-up, the representatives of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)at the tournament held on Friday, at the PPSMB hall, Enugu
Presenting the cheques to the debating groups, at the grand finale of the tournament, Dr Mbah who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia re reassured his administration’s commitment to inculcating the spirit of critical thinking among the youths as well as improving the quality of education in Enugu state.
He said the 042 debate tournament tagged” Cool- it” was a huge success, adding that the exercise was the first phase for higher education,.
Gov said the tournament would be cascaded down to the secondary and primary schools levels, especially the Smart Green Schools in order to build youths that can challenge and compete with their contemporaries across the globe.
He noted that the competition in the post secondary school level would cut across every aspect of teaching and learning not just debate, and charged the participants, especially the champions to effectively utilise all they have learnt during the entire exercise in their day-to-day activities in order to set a standard in society.
Earlier, the organiser and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Culture and Self Development, Dera Okenwa said several social issues that influence the culture negatively or positively were debated to test the intellectual ability of the youths
One of the Contestants , Emmanuel Nwuze, who spoke on behalf of others, thanked the State Government for the initiative,. He said the debate tournament had offered them the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and intellectually to the development of Enugu State. He promised they would utilise the knowledge gathered from the tournament for their own good and for the good of other people..
It was initiated by Mrs Dera Okenwa and 26 team participated in the event which kicked off in August,2024 with grand finale held on Friday,24, October,2024.
Author- Maureen Ikpeama