By Peter Dibia
The Imo State Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has commenced the 2026 Shared Prosperity Imo State Secondary School Debate Championship, an initiative designed to promote consumer education, intellectual development and responsible citizenship among secondary school students in the state.
The championship, which runs from October 29 to November 24, 2026, is being organised under the Council's Catch Them Young initiative, which seeks to introduce young people to the principles of consumer rights, responsibilities and protection while developing their communication and critical-thinking abilities.
At the preliminary stage of the competition, participating schools debated the motion, "The Consumer, Not the Producer, Is the True King in the Nigerian Market."
The eight schools that participated demonstrated impressive knowledge, confidence and intellectual ability, presenting arguments from both sides of the motion. The students engaged vigorously with the subject, offering perspectives on the relationship between consumers and producers, the importance of consumer satisfaction, product quality, market competition and the responsibilities of businesses.
The debate provided an opportunity for the students to demonstrate their understanding of consumer-related issues while developing their ability to research, analyse information, construct arguments and communicate effectively before an audience.
The preliminary stage of the championship is scheduled to continue on November 3 and 4, 2026, after which successful schools will advance to the Round of 16.
The Director General of the Imo State Consumer Protection Council, Hon. (Dr.) Mrs. Obioma Okafor, was acknowledged for her initiative and sustained commitment to advancing consumer education through the competition.
The championship reflects her administration's emphasis on catching young people early with practical knowledge of consumer rights and responsibilities, while creating opportunities for them to develop public speaking, confidence, intellectual reasoning and leadership skills.
The initiative also recognises the importance of introducing consumer protection education into the consciousness of young people, particularly at a time when consumers are increasingly confronted with questions relating to product quality, safety, accurate information and fair business practices.
Through the competition, the Council seeks to raise a generation of informed consumers who can make responsible purchasing decisions, recognise unfair commercial practices and understand the importance of demanding safe and quality products.
The CPC reiterated its commitment to empowering consumers through education, public enlightenment and stakeholder engagement, stressing that educating young people remains an important investment in building a more informed and responsible society.
The Shared Prosperity Imo State Secondary School Debate Championship 2026 is therefore expected to provide participating students with a platform to showcase their intellectual abilities while strengthening public awareness of consumer protection across Imo State.
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