Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described debate as an important platform for developing critical thinking, communication skills and responsible leadership among young Nigerians.
Fubara stated this on Thursday at the grand finale of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Inter-Senior Secondary Schools Debate Championship held at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt.
Represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, the governor said debate was more than an academic competition, noting that it teaches students to analyse issues, listen to opposing views and defend their positions with facts and sound reasoning.
He urged the participants to approach debates with confidence and humility, while respecting the opinions of their opponents.
“The greatest virtue is not lifting the trophy, but becoming a better thinker, a better communicator and a better citizen,” he said.
Fubara congratulated Team Rivers on its victory and told all the participants that they were winners regardless of their final positions.
He also appreciated the First Lady of Nigeria and Grand Patron of the championship, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for supporting initiatives aimed at promoting education and youth development.
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The governor commended the organisers for providing young Nigerians with opportunities to build the confidence, discipline and intellectual capacity needed to contribute to national development.
The Chairman of the National Advisory Board, President’s Schools Debate Nigeria, Hon. Usman Muhammed, said the championship was designed to produce articulate and informed young people who would uphold democratic values, good governance and nation-building.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, said the competition was aimed at preparing students for future leadership by equipping them with the confidence and ability to express and defend their views publicly.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara received an award of excellence as the Best Governor in the South-South, while Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State was recognised as the Best Governor in the North-East.
At the end of the competition involving teams from the 36 states of the federation, Team Rivers emerged overall champion, followed by Team Kwara in second place and Team Sokoto in third.
