The National Orientation Agency has launched a nationwide ‘Campus Debate Series’ to groom young minds intellectually, morally, and patriotically.

The debate, with the theme ‘Unity in Diversity’, brings together students from various institutions to engage in intellectual discussions promoting unity, patriotism, and national identity.

Speaking in Lokoja on Wednesday, the director-general of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the programme aims to strengthen national identity while celebrating Nigeria’s diversity.

The initiative, tagged North-Central Zonal Campus Debate Series 2025, carries the theme ‘Unity in Diversity: Defining Nigerian Identity in Nigeria’s Multicultural Society’.

Mr Issa-Onilu described the debate as a strategic platform for civic engagement rather than just a competition. He urged youths to shun violence, drug abuse, and hooliganism, and instead uphold values that promote patriotism and unity.

“The debate follows a three-tier format, with institutions nationwide submitting video entries screened under strict evaluative criteria. The best institutions progress to the national stage in Abuja, coinciding with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations. The final will hold at the Presidential Villa, where President Bola Tinubu will unveil the National Value Charter, celebrating Nigerian youths’ voices,” Issa-Onilu stated.

He stressed that NOA had developed platforms to amplify youth voices, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to fostering unity and diversity nationwide. Mr Issa-Onilu commended NOA’s zonal and state directors, staff, facilitators, and stakeholders for making the debate series a truly nationwide platform for young Nigerians.

The NOA director in Kogi, Patrick Edogbanya, praised students, lecturers, traditional rulers, and organisations for actively supporting the agency’s initiatives.

“The Campus Debate Series is a testament to NOA’s dedication to empowering youths and strengthening national identity,” he said.

In goodwill messages, Usman Bello of Jama’atu Nasiru Islam and David Agbayi, the Estu Adankolo, lauded the initiative. They praised NOA’s innovative strategies and firm commitment to fostering unity in diversity across Nigeria.

The competition winner, Gift Adejoh of Federal University Lokoja, received a certificate for her outstanding performance.

NAN)