Philanthropist moves to reignite intellectual debates in Anambra universities, offers ₦1m prize

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

A philanthropist and businessman, Dr Ikenna Okafor, has launched an initiative to reignite intellectual debates in Anambra universities, offering a cash prize of up to ₦1 million to promote critical thinking, persuasive communication and solution-oriented engagement among undergraduates.

The initiative, the South-East Campus Debate, Anambra edition, is scheduled to hold its preliminary rounds on October 17 and 18, with the grand finale fixed for October 31.

Okafor disclosed this at a news conference in Awka on Saturday, explaining that the competition was designed to encourage university students to devote more time to intellectual discussions on issues affecting their future and the country’s development.

He said the initiative was driven by the need to revive a culture of constructive debate in tertiary institutions and equip young people with the intellectual capacity to contribute meaningfully to national development.

“In tandem with my dream that our students, the leaders of tomorrow, should spare a good portion of their time discussing matters that affect our future, we decided to engage their intellect in this direction,” he said.

While acknowledging the popularity of arts and entertainment among young people, Okafor stressed that intellectual engagement was equally important in shaping their perspectives, sharpening their reasoning and preparing them for leadership responsibilities.

“It is good to love arts and entertainment, but we need to feed the minds of our youths with intellectual discussions to help them determine their future,” he added.

The philanthropist said all accredited universities in Anambra had been invited to participate in the competition, which would feature debates on various topics.

He expressed the hope that the contest would provide a platform for students to exchange ideas, defend their positions with sound arguments and develop the confidence to address pressing societal challenges.

With a cash prize of up to ₦1 million for the champions, the competition is expected to combine intellectual engagement with an incentive for students to demonstrate their debating abilities.

Okafor said the project was being financed through his companies, Keves Global Leasing Ltd. and Ideal Agro Allied Produce Ltd., manufacturers of Afrirootz Foods, alongside the Idi Ezeani Nzekwuabuo Foundation.

He explained that the foundation was established in honour of his late father, Chief Paulinus Okafor, to support education and provide assistance to vulnerable groups.

According to him, its beneficiaries include pupils and students, persons living with sickle cell disease, blind students and widows.

He added that the foundation also intervened in schools in Akwaeze and other communities across Anambra whenever necessary.

Okafor commended Mac Clem Marketing for introducing the idea behind the debate competition, describing the forthcoming edition as the beginning of a project expected to expand in subsequent years.

Also speaking at the event, the sponsor’s wife, Dr Esther Okafor, urged university students to take advantage of the initiative by participating actively in the competition.

She said the programme would help nurture young people who could think independently, identify solutions to societal problems and contribute to positive change.

“This is a programme that will help build right-thinking, solution-oriented youths with a can-do spirit to drive the desired change in society,” she said.