By Bashir Bello

KANO — Arewa Radio, a Kano-based station, has awarded N1 million to Safiya Liman of Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Kura, for emerging first in its inaugural schools debate competition.

The debate, themed “Fuel Subsidy Removal” and sponsored by Mudassir and Brothers, saw Liman score 49½ points, narrowly beating Fatima Salisu of Elmer International School, who scored 49 points to finish second. Hafsat Jamil of Government Girls College (GGC), Kano, secured third place.

Prince Daniel, Head of Programmes at Arewa Radio, told journalists that the initiative aims to develop students’ skills, build confidence, and encourage a reading culture among the youth. He said the competition seeks to engage young Nigerians in discussions that shape national and global discourse.

“This is the first season of Muhawara (The Debate) here in Kano. Education and equipping the younger generation are essential. By encouraging students to read, broaden their horizons, and engage in important issues, we hope to see them represent Nigeria on global platforms like the UN,” Daniel said.

The competition initially attracted 24 interested students, with 16 advancing to the main event before the winners were selected. Daniel added that similar debates are already held by the station’s sister outlets—Nigeria Info in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt—and may be expanded to other northern states.

Kano State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Yusuf Kofar Mata, praised the performance of students from government schools, noting it reflects the state government’s commitment to improving education. He assured continued support to help students pursue tertiary education.

Event sponsor Mudassir Idris of Mudassir and Brothers said the initiative is aimed at supporting students’ academic aspirations, describing all finalists as winners for their impressive performances.

In addition to the N1 million top prize, the second-place winner received N700,000, while the third-place finisher was awarded N500,000.