This is the real story of Anambra state that does not make the news. We would not be defined by sit-at-home, violence by deviants, and the small minority of criminals
By Osita Chidoka
On Thursday 13 July, I attended the 2023 Democracy Day President’s Inter-Senior Secondary Schools Debate Championship National Finals and Award Ceremony at the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja. I went to support Team Anambra who made it to the finals they came second and were downcast. Team Nigeria Army came first in a very fierce competition.
I had to speak to them to cheer them up. I understood their feeling. I am Igbo and our parents always wondered who came first if you were second. We are competitive. We are hardworking and willing to take up challenges. The Team Anambra was a quintessential Igbo team.
Team Anambra, has an intimidating record. In 2014 – they won National 1st Place and represented Nigeria at World School’s Debating Championship, Singapore in 2015.
In 2016 – Anambra won National 1st Place and represented Nigeria at Singapore again in 2016 and won 1st Place.
In 2016 Anambra State attended a Bilateral Debate Tournament in Accra, Ghana, and won.
In 2018 and 2022- Anambra won the National 1st place and for the 2022 win, they would be travelling to Malaysia this July to represent Nigeria. In the current 2023 edition, Anambra won National 2nd Place and is set to represent Nigeria in Dubai, in 2024.
During the event, the Anambra Commissioner of Education Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh was presented with the award of Best Performing Commissioner for Education in the South East. Also, the Best Performing Student Debate Desk Officer for the Promotion and Growth of Schools Debate in Nigeria went to Anambra State Principal Mrs. Amaka Anekwe popularly known as Diamond Principal.
This is the real story of Anambra state that does not make the news. We would not be defined by sit-at-home, violence by deviants, and the small minority of criminals. We are a state of excellence, a home for all, and a state of people driven by competition and hunger for success. We are Anambra.
Congratulations to Team Nigerian Army and Team Anambra and Team Nigeria Police. They were a delight to watch.
* Chidoka is a former Minister of Aviation.