By Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
In a compelling speech at the maiden debate competition organized by the Dr. Enabulele Foundation, renowned scholar, Immediate Past World Medical President of the Medical Association, and thought leader, Dr. Enabulele, passionately discussed the pressing leadership challenges faced by nations today. He emphasized the disconnection between current leaders and the younger generation, noting that this gap hampers national development and the effective tackling of contemporary issues.
Dr. Enabulele pointed out that many of the leadership crises stem from a lack of continuity, understanding, and engagement with the youth, who are the future of any nation. “Our leaders must recognize that the energy, innovation, and perspectives of the younger generation are vital for sustainable progress,” he urged. “Bridging this disconnect is essential for fostering a more inclusive, dynamic, and resilient leadership structure.”
Furthermore, he elaborated on the foundation’s objectives, stating, “Part of our mission is to reignite your intellectual capacity. We aim to enable you to conduct thorough research, develop robust analytical skills, and connect you with current issues affecting our society. Our goal is to transform you into solution providers—individuals equipped to address challenges with insight, creativity, and a sense of civic responsibility.”
The competition featured over seven secondary schools within Egor Local Government Area, each represented by a team of talented students. The students engaged in rigorous debates on a wide array of contemporary issues, including “Should secondary students be allowed to contribute to the development of Edo State?” Each pair of teams formed two camps supporting either the affirmative or negative position, based on substantial research.
Each team demonstrated impressive research, articulation, and rebuttal skills, captivating the audience with their eloquence and depth of understanding. The debates were adjudicated by experienced educators, public speakers, and medical experts, providing constructive critique and evaluation based on content, delivery, and rebuttal skills to ensure the competition was fair and transparent. Eghosa Anglican School secured prizes for “Best Debater” and “Best Debate Team,” scoring 78.43%. Baptist High School came second with 77.69%, and Asoro Grammar School secured third position scoring 76.83%.
The Foundation’s Maiden debate served as a platform to inspire young minds to engage critically with national and global issues. Dr. Enabulele emphasized that empowering youth through education, research, and discourse is crucial for cultivating future leaders who are well-informed and capable of steering their nations toward a prosperous future.
As the event concluded, participants left motivated to harness their intellectual abilities, participate actively in societal development, and bridge the generational gap in leadership. The Dr. Enabulele Foundation’s initiative marks a significant step toward nurturing a generation of proactive, solution-oriented leaders committed to National growth.