…………Abia Government, NBC, Visionaries Applaud Youth Leadership And Gender Equality At Schools Competition.
FIC Report (Abia State) – In a grand celebration of intellect, youth empowerment, and gender inclusion, Methodist Girls High School, Umueze, Umuahia has emerged winner of the 2024/2025 Vision Africa Radio School Debate Competition, organized in partnership with the Abia State Ministry of Education.
The Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, NBC, has said that it is doing everything to ensure that Nigerian children do not consume harmful messages through the broadcast media.
The NBC stated this in Umuahia during the grand finale of the 2024 school debate competition organized by Vision Africa with the theme “Is the social media impactful to teenagers?”
NBC spoke through the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, said that the broadcast regulator is always sustaining its role in preventing destructive materials from going out from broadcast outfits into the broadcast environment.
NBC Director , described Nigerian children as the future leaders, said that every content they consume must be those that are good and would help them make informed choices about life, and not those that would mislead them.
“At NBC, we are ensuring that consumers of broadcast messages consume what is good for them, so we align with what is happening here.
“We are interested in our children and mindful of the kind of messages that you consume. We are conscious that the messages that are out in the airwaves are what is safe,” she said.
In her address, the wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscillia Chidinma Otti, pledged that the state will deepen investments in education to attain excellence.
She said the state is commited to promoting academic excellence and leadership among students, recognizing the pivotal role education plays in shaping the future of young generations.
The Governor’s wife,who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Professor Ijeoma Iheukwumere, restated that the State Government is interested in the development of education and the protection of children.
She, however, highlighted the administration’s strategic focus on education and the protection of children’s rights.
“Education remains at the heart of our development agenda. We are raising a generation that must not only be brilliant but also responsible and morally grounded,” she stated, affirming the government’s continued investment in the future of Abia’s children.
Earlier in his address, the President of Vision Africa and Methodist Bishop, Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, said that the school debate competition was designed to raise a new generation of leaders that would take over in all spheres of life.
Delivering a powerful keynote, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Aghukwa extended heartfelt commendation to the visionary behind the competition, Bishop Dr. Sunday Onuoha, President of Vision Africa, for his consistent efforts in youth empowerment through educational initiatives.
She also recognized the dedication of the Vision Africa team, the eloquence, remarkable intellect, bold spirit of participating schools, and most importantly, the young debaters who brought life to the topic: “Is Social Media Impactful to Teenagers?”
Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, commended the quality of arguments and confidence exhibited by the young debaters, describing the competition as “intellectually enriching and deeply inspiring.”
“Debating is more than a conquest of words; it is a training ground for future leaders, policymakers, and change agents,” she noted.
“I am especially thrilled to witness strong representation from both boys and girls. It is heartwarming to see our young women boldly stepping up to engage, challenge, and lead.”
She expressed appreciation to Bishop Dr. Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, the visionary President of Vision Africa, for initiating and sustaining such transformative platforms for youth empowerment.
Expressing gratitude to the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR), Dr. Aghukwa acknowledged his great support for youth development and education.
She also saluted the contributions of the First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, calling her “a woman I love to follow” for her inspiring work with women and children across the state.
“Let us work together to raise a generation that speaks with wisdom, acts with integrity, and leads with purpose,” Dr. Aghukwa concluded, urging all stakeholders to continue nurturing leadership and equality at every level of society.
Dr. Aghukwa encouraged the winning students to see their victory as a launchpad for future leadership, and advised participants who didn’t win to consider the experience itself a mark of success and growth.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, represented by Lady Kelechi Ogugbue, praised the intellectual vigour of the students and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to policies that unlock the potential of every child.
The finalists at the debate included:
Methodist Girls High School, Umueze Umuahia (Winner)
Valley View College, Ohafia
Basic Foundation International Secondary School
Ndume Otuka Secondary School, Ahiaeke
In a generous philanthropic gesture, Bishop Onuoha announced the sponsorship of WAEC registration fees for three students each from the four finalist schools, underscoring the spirit of support and mentorship that defined the event.
“This debate is not just about winning,” Bishop Onuoha said. “It’s about building character, instilling values, and preparing these children for leadership in all spheres of life.”
The intellectually engaging event drew high-profile dignitaries including government officials, education stakeholders, religious leaders, media regulators, and enthusiastic students from across the state.
As the curtain closed on the memorable event, applause echoed not just for the winners, but for a state-wide initiative that is fast becoming a model for raising a generation of young, articulate, and values-driven leaders.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State
25-06-2025.
