NOA Launches Nationwide Campus Debate Series to Promote Unity

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has introduced a nationwide Campus Debate Series to nurture young Nigerians and promote unity, patriotism, and national identity.

Themed “Unity in Diversity: Defining Nigerian Identity in Nigeria’s Multicultural Society,” the initiative brings together students from tertiary institutions to engage in discussions that highlight Nigeria’s cultural diversity and shared values.

The North Central Zonal edition took place in Lokoja, featuring a three-tier debate format that begins with video submissions from institutions across the country. Successful participants will advance to the national stage in Abuja, with the grand finale scheduled to hold at the Presidential Villa during Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

The programme is designed as a civic engagement platform to empower young people while discouraging vices such as violence, drug abuse, and hooliganism. It also seeks to strengthen national cohesion by instilling values of patriotism and unity among participants.

Stakeholders, including traditional rulers, lecturers, and community leaders, lauded the initiative, describing it as a strategic effort to amplify youth voices and consolidate national identity. At the Lokoja event, Miss Gift Adejoh of the Federal University Lokoja emerged as the competition winner, earning recognition for her outstanding performance.

The NOA said the Campus Debate Series reflects its commitment to building platforms that foster national unity and empower youths to play active roles in shaping Nigeria’s future.