By Juliana Nwachukwu
A philanthropist and Chairman of Ideal Allied Produce Limited, Chief Ikenna Okafor, has rewarded winners of the South East Campus Debate, Anambra State edition, with cash prizes totalling ₦2.2 million, while pledging ₦10 million in scholarship support to beneficiaries of his Nzekwuabuo Foundation.
The presentation took place on October 31 at Bethel City Auditorium, Onitsha, during the grand finale and prize-giving ceremony. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, emerged first and received ₦1 million, Paul University, Awka, came second with ₦700,000, while Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, took third place with ₦500,000. Anambra State College of Nursing Sciences, Nkpor, finished fourth and received a consolation gift.
Speaking after the presentation, Chief Okafor, accompanied by his wife, Dr Mrs Esther Okafor, urged the scholarship beneficiaries to embrace the Igbo principle of “Onye e nyere, ya nye”—whoever has been blessed should also bless others. He pledged ₦8 million to the outstanding scholarship beneficiary and ₦2 million to the second beneficiary, encouraging them to extend their blessings to others.
In an interview, Okafor said that the debate was designed to engage young people in intellectual discussions, inspire critical thinking and prepare them to become agents of positive change. He also called on wealthy individuals to contribute to society, stressing that philanthropy is not determined solely by financial status but by one’s willingness to support meaningful causes.
He further challenged youths to stop blaming their parents for their circumstances and instead take responsibility for transforming their future. According to him, young people should focus on addressing problems, doing what they can to improve their situations and creating positive change wherever possible.
Earlier, the convener, Chief Chido Obidiegwu, said nine accredited universities in Anambra State participated in the competition following preliminary rounds. He explained that the initiative was inspired by Chief Okafor’s longstanding support for individuals and institutions, including his donation of a 30KVA generator to the Anambra Broadcasting Service during Obidiegwu’s tenure as Managing Director.
He described Okafor as a philanthropist who plants seeds for the benefit of future generations. The event also observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Professor Carter Uneh, Chancellor of Tansi University, who Obidiegwu disclosed had participated in the planning of the programme before his demise.
Juliana Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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