By: Ike Philip Abiagom
As part of the Pastor Idowu Okeze’s birthday celebration, a non – governmental organisation Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation (ONOF) has organised a debate competition for all the secondary schools in Ibusa to mark his birthday.The competition brought together students who presented compelling arguments for and against the motion, showcasing their critical thinking, creativity, and depth of research.
While explaining the reason behind the hosting of the event, the president of the Foundation Mr. Elder Patrick Okeze, highlighted the importance of fostering intellectual engagement and innovation in education.
According to him, the future of education depends on people’s ability to think critically and adapt to new challenges without losing the human touch.
Okeze stressed that the debate is part of ONOF’s larger commitment to promoting quality education and empowering young Nigerians to become changed agents in their communities. At the end of the debates Chosen Stars School won the grand prize as the best school with cash prize of N500.000 and St. Augustine’s College N300.000.
He commended the principals and staff of the Schools that participated for their commitment to the students’ growth and the seamless organisation of the event. The debate was a fitting celebration of the power of education to inspire transformative ideas and empower young minds for the future.
It was a day of pomp and ceremony at Obi Nwaokocha Okeze’s Event Centre in Ibusa, as the Delta State Command of the Man O’ War decorated and investiture Pastor Idowu Okeze as their patron.
The Commandant, while conducting the investiture and decoration of their new patron, she informed the gathering that his roles will be largely advisory and to enable the command to succeed through his support.
She enjoined all stakeholders that have been contributing to the growing capacity of the command to support the new leadership to attain lofty heights. She added that change has indeed come, and the time has come for all hands to be on deck to create a better society.
In his remark, the new patron Pastor Idowu Okeze said he was humbled and overwhelmed for the paramilitary organization to find him worthy to be their patron. He pledged to do everything within his capacity to assist as well as move the Delta unit Man O’ War to greater height.
Pastor Okeze has advised youths to imbibe discipline and hard work to actualise their potential and secure a brighter future for themselves.
He said that youths should not allow negative influences in society and in their immediate environments to determine their future, stressing that the organisation aims at instilling discipline, and good values, as well as ensure physical and mental fitness that will help youths achieve their aim in the future.
The programme also featured a march past by the command’s cadets and other side attractions that added colour to the parade and handover ceremony.
