Youth, Unity, and Identity Take Center Stage at North-East Debate in Gombe 

By Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan

Gombe played host to a gathering of bright young minds from across the North East as the National Orientation Agency organized a zonal face-to-face debate themed “Unity in Diversity: Defining National Identity in Nigeria’s Multicultural Society.”

The Federal Secretariat Hall came alive as students from Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, Borno, Bauchi, and Gombe converged to test their intellect, showcase their research, and reflect on what truly binds Nigeria together as a nation.

Declaring the contest open, Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-onilu, represented by the North-East Zonal Director, Alhaji Ali Audu, said the debate was not designed as a mere academic exercise, Rather, it is a civic platform to nurture the next generation of leaders, challenging them to think, to speak, and to take ownership of values that will define the country’s collective future.

According to him, the contest also provides a stage for dialogue and civic engagement, where patriotism and intellectual expression merge to shape a stronger Nigerian identity.

Adding his voice, Gombe State Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Alhaji Shehu Yeriman Abdullahi, hailed the initiative as timely, stressing that such platforms help deepen unity in a region that mirrors Nigeria’s cultural diversity.

In a heartfelt welcome, State Director of NOA, Mrs. Adaline Waye Patari, expressed delight at Gombe hosting the event, describing it as an honor to bring together some of the finest young talents in the region, noting that their interaction would go a long way in strengthening the spirit of oneness.

Other NOA Directors from Adamawa, Taraba, and Borno also commended the quality of arguments delivered by the students and voiced confidence that the nation’s future is safe in the hands of such promising youths.

At the end of the keenly contested debate, Yobe State University emerged overall winner, with Modibbo Adama University and Gombe State University taking second and third positions respectively.

While Federal University Taraba, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, and University of Maiduguri followed in that order.

Drama sketches and cultural displays added color to the event, driving home the message that Nigeria’s strength lies in her unity despite differences.