Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized his lifelong abstinence from alcohol and cigarettes, citing their detrimental effects on the human body. He made this declaration during the grand finale of the National Quiz Competition organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, where he addressed students from various secondary schools across the country. The competition’s theme was “The Legislature and Democracy.”
Commending the schools that reached the finals, Akpabio urged the youth to avoid vices that could hinder their dreams and aspirations, specifically cautioning against alcohol consumption and smoking. He shared his personal commitment to this advice, revealing, “In my case, I have never smoked cigarettes or taken alcohol before. This is because, growing up, I listened to parental guidance.”
Reflecting on his childhood observations, he recounted seeing individuals intoxicated on the streets and falling into gutters, an image that stayed with him. Akpabio stressed the importance of aspiring to be visionary leaders by abstaining from habits that could jeopardize their goals.
He emphasized the need for Nigeria to have honest and God-fearing youths. The National Quiz Competition, organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, included representatives from private and government schools across the country.
The Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, highlighted the competitive process at the state level and introduced the schools that made it to the finals. Saint Theresa’s College Nsukka, Enugu State, emerged as the winner, with Greater Tomorrow International School, Arigidi-Ikare Akoko, Ondo State, securing the second position and the School for the Gifted in Gwagwalada coming in third.
Sulaiman underscored the importance of the quiz competition in promoting youth engagement and advocacy for democratic processes. He emphasized the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to prioritize education for all, aligning with national and global development goals.
