Bayelsa Central Youth Parliamentarian Hosts Inter-Campus Debate to Mark International Day of Parliamentarianism

 

By Toyyib Omowale

In commemoration of the International Day of Parliamentarianism, Hon. Onisoman Kos-Ikah, Member representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District at the Nigerian Youth Parliament, organised the maiden edition of the Bayelsa Inter-Campus Debate, which saw students from the Niger Delta University, NDU, face off against their counterparts from Bayelsa Medical University ,BMU.

The debate, themed “Constitutional Separation of Powers under the Current Nigerian Democratic System: The Role of the Legislative Arm of Government,” was held at the Bayelsa Medical University auditorium, Yenagoa.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Gentle Emelah, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, and Hon. Alfred Kemepado, his counterpart in the Ministry of Youth Development, expressed delight at the eloquence and critical thinking displayed by the students in supporting and opposing the motion.

 They encouraged the students not to relent in their pursuit of knowledge and to actively participate in governance at the grassroots level.

Further addressing the theme, the commissioners emphasized that the role of the legislature in a democracy cannot be overstated. They urged parliamentarians to carry their constituents along in all activities to ensure the dividends of democracy are widely felt.

Similarly, the Vice Chancellor of Bayelsa Medical University, Professor Dimie Ogoina, expressed satisfaction with the intellectual depth demonstrated by students from both institutions. He appreciated the organiser for the initiative, describing it as one that promotes sportsmanship, encourages the exchange of ideas, and fosters inter-institutional bonding.

Mr. Caleb Whyte-Abel, a 500-level medical student of Niger Delta University and lead speaker for NDU, thanked the organisers for putting the debate together.

 He also appreciated his teammates for their efforts and expressed hope that his institution would emerge victorious in the next edition.

Ms. Leizuo Itorubofa, a medical student and lead speaker for Bayelsa Medical University, expressed gratitude to God and praised her team for their efforts, which culminated in their winning the debate.

Earlier, in his remarks, Hon. Onisoman Kos-Ikah thanked the commissioners for making time out of their schedules to attend the event. He also extended his gratitude to the management of Bayelsa Medical University and all partners for their support in making the event a success.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of dummy cheques: 100,000 naira to Niger Delta University as second-place winners and 300,000 naira to Bayelsa Medical University, who emerged winners of the debate. Additionally, Dr. Gentle Emelah made a personal donation of 200,000 naira to both institutions.