NGO implements advocacy on out-of-school children in Ebonyi

The One Youth Global, a non-profit organisation, has intensified its advocacy for educational development across Nigerian states in a bid to address the growing number of out-of-school children in the country.

President of the organisation, Mr. Uchechukwu Agbo made this known on Saturday in Abakaliki during the grand finale of the “Spark Nation” Debate and Quiz Competition.

Agbo underscored the importance of advancing the education sector, stating that quality education was vital for sustainable national development.

He expressed concern over the deteriorating state of primary and secondary schools in Nigeria and called on both federal and state governments to step up their efforts in revitalising the sector.

“We are deeply concerned about the current state of education in Nigeria, especially in public primary and secondary schools.

“Our initiative aims to support and provide a platform for students to showcase their academic abilities and build confidence,” he said.

Agbo also noted that participants for the competition were selected from various states across the country, including Lagos, Adamawa, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers.

Boot Camp Director of the “Spark Nation” programme, Mr. Samson Amulu, said that the initiative was designed to promote critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership skills among secondary school (SS) students in Ebonyi and beyond.

“The situation of out-of-school children in Nigeria is alarming.

“According to UNICEF, about 20 million children are currently out of school.

“Our programme, which started on June 15, has included school visits and community outreach across all 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State.

“Today, June 21, marks the grand finale here in Abakaliki,” Amulu explained.

He revealed that winners of the debate and quiz competitions each received N1 million and an opportunity to travel to California, USA.

Akin Oluwa-Olajolo, an SS 1 student from Wellspring College, Lagos, emerged as the winner of the debate category with 85 points. While Michelle Emeka-Nwuke of Comprehensive School of Management and Technology, Abakaliki, came second with 82 points.

In the quiz competition, Team Bloomers from Great Achiever International School, Abakaliki, clinched first place with 37 points.

The Gold Team from the Federal Science and Technical College, Amuzu, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi, came second with 29 points.

Speaking after his victory, Oluwa-Olajolo expressed joy and gratitude.

“I’m truly happy and thankful to the organisers for choosing me as the best in debate,” he said