Abia First Lady Mrs. Otti Declares Education a Priority, Applauds Students' Brilliance at Statewide School Debate in Umuahia

 

Abia State’s First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has reaffirmed the state’s determination to deepen its investment in education, emphasizing that the academic success and leadership development of young people remain at the heart of the current administration’s goals.

Speaking through Professor Ijeoma Iheukwumere, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Mrs. Otti shared this message during the grand finale of the 14th edition of the annual School Debate Competition, held on Tuesday in Umuahia, the state capital.

The event, jointly organized by Vision Africa and the Abia State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, featured spirited participation from twelve secondary schools across the state. This year’s competition focused on the theme, Is Social Media Impactful to Teenagers? which challenged students to critically analyze the double-edged influence of digital connectivity on adolescent development.

Mrs. Otti praised the students for their intellectual strength and creativity, noting that education is the bedrock of societal transformation. She underscored the Otti-led administration’s strategic efforts to uplift education across all tiers by supporting both infrastructure and human capacity development.

“Abia is not just investing in classrooms and books. We are investing in minds, in futures, in the vision of a generation that will lead with clarity and compassion,” she said through her representative. “We understand the power of education, not just as a tool for learning but as a vehicle for empowerment.”

Highlighting the administration’s broader plans, she noted that educators across the state are being supported through training and resource provision, while learning environments are being redesigned to promote inclusivity, creativity, and safety.

Elder Goodluck Ubochi, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, echoed this commitment while addressing participants and guests. Represented by Lady Stella Kelechi, Director of Scholarship in the ministry, Elder Ubochi commended Vision Africa for sustaining a platform that has elevated student engagement in public discourse for over a decade.

He reiterated the state government’s pledge to nurture student talents, provide opportunities for leadership, and support academic distinction. “The future belongs to the young, and we are shaping that future now by giving them every opportunity to explore their potential,” he stated.

A highlight of the event came from Bishop Sunday Onuoha, the President and founder of Vision Africa International and Vision Africa Radio. With deep passion for youth development, he shared the mission behind the initiative, describing it as a seed that has grown into a tradition of excellence and civic consciousness.

According to him, the debate competition is not merely about winning prizes but about inspiring confidence, research abilities, and leadership skills in participants. “Through these debates, we are raising voices that will one day take over podiums, parliaments, and boardrooms,” Bishop Onuoha said. He also announced that he would personally sponsor the WAEC registration fees for three students each from the four schools that reached the final stage of the competition.

The event witnessed keen competition, but it was Methodist Girls High School, Umuahia, that claimed the coveted first prize. Their outstanding presentation, depth of research, and eloquence captivated both the panel of judges and the audience. Other participating schools also received medals and educational materials in recognition of their hard work and determination.

Students, parents, educators, and government representatives all described the event as inspiring and impactful. Many attendees noted that the competition had grown in both stature and substance, and it now stands as one of the state’s most influential platforms for student engagement.

By promoting discourse on critical contemporary issues such as social media, the organizers demonstrated their awareness of the realities facing today’s youth. The debate allowed students to explore the benefits and potential pitfalls of digital platforms, fostering a more informed and balanced perspective.

As the curtains fell on this year’s debate finale, the message from both the organizers and the state government was clear. Abia State is charting a path toward educational excellence, and its young citizens are at the center of this transformation. With sustained partnerships, continued investment, and strategic planning, the vision of a brighter future for Abia’s youth seems not only achievable but well underway.