The Anambra State Basic Education Debate Team has been urged to represent the state with distinction and return with trophies at the forthcoming international debate competition in Malaysia.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, gave the charge when the team, accompanied by its coaches and organisers, paid him a brief visit ahead of their departure for the competition.
Dr. Ogugua noted that Anambra State, under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has continued to record remarkable achievements in education, winning laurels at national and international competitions.
He attributed the successes to the intelligence, talents and skills of Ndi Anambra, which the state government continues to nurture through strategic investments in education and human capital development.
Describing the competition as a valuable opportunity, the commissioner said it would enable the pupils to explore the wider world, broaden their horizons and interact with people from diverse backgrounds while gaining new perspectives beyond their immediate environment.
He encouraged the team members to maximise the opportunity, conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of Anambra State and strive to bring home trophies.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Dr. Justina Chinyere Anyadiegwu, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Soludo for his visionary leadership and for creating an enabling environment for quality basic education to thrive in the state.
Dr. Anyadiegwu said Anambra’s growing presence and achievements in educational competitions reflected the administration’s commitment to human capital development, nurturing young talents and creating opportunities for children to discover and fulfil their potential.
She added that sustained government investment in education continues to provide pupils with platforms to showcase their abilities and compete favourably at national and international levels.
The ASUBEB chairman also commended the coaches for their commitment, dedication and efforts in preparing the pupils for the international contest. She urged them to sustain their support and guidance, describing their contributions to developing the pupils’ debating skills and confidence as invaluable.
Addressing the pupils, Dr. Anyadiegwu encouraged them to believe in themselves, prepare diligently, work collaboratively and demonstrate discipline, confidence and intellectual excellence throughout the competition.
She reminded them that they were not only representing their respective schools but also carrying the pride and aspirations of Anambra State and Nigeria.
The ASUBEB boss further urged the pupils to learn from their international counterparts, gain valuable exposure and return as worthy ambassadors capable of inspiring other children to pursue excellence in academics and extracurricular activities.
Those present during the visit included the Special Assistant to the Commissioner, Dr. Christian; the State Coordinator, Amaka Anaekwe; and the state coaches, who have been working closely with the team in preparation for the competition.
