By Ibn Yahweh
Winners emerge and shine at the Lanre Bello Inter – Faculty Debate. Students were drawn from faculties across the University of Ibadan to represent their faculties in the war of words and ideas. The debate ushered Goodness Okunsanya of the department of Communication and Language Arts, Faculty of Arts, to the podium as the overall winner, carting away the sum of 50, 000 naira. Bodunde Ebenezar, a resident of Nnamdi Azikwe and an undergraduate of the Chemistry department, Faculty of Science, was also one of the prize winners at the event held in the Faculty of Agriculture, First bank building. In addition, several participants received certificates of participation.
Goodness Okunsanya, an undergraduate of the department of Communication and Language Arts who emerged as the overall winner of the Lanre Bello Inter – Faculty Debate stated that the event was an awesome experience and a rewarding one. In his own words, “The event was an awesome experience. It’s amazing to see that efforts get rewarded.” He couldn’t hide his joy at being announced as the overall of the contest.
In a conversation ZHPO Correspondent had with Bodunde Ebenezar, a resident of Nnamdi Azikwe Hall, on how the event and the preparation for it has been, he said, “The preparation has been very nice. Though something happened like four days ago; I lost all my documents so I had to rewrite the speech…thank God.” Furthermore he stated that out of every other person his charisma played out. I’m his words, “….Out of every other person, my charisma and my preparation played out.”
ZHPO Correspondent also had a conversation with one of the members of the audience. Pleading anonymity, she shared her views on the Lanre Bello Inter – Faculty Debate. In her words, “The event was amazing and interesting.” She added that she had learnt a lot from the event as it had taught her numerous things. In her words, “Actually this would be my first time here. I’ve learnt a lot. It’s worth coming. It’s a waste of time.” The witness also shared the lessons she learned from the Inter – Faculty Debate. She stated, “I just came here today to see how it’s done formally…I’ve seen that I’ve a long way to go.”
The Lanre Bello Inter – Faculty Debate is held in the University of Ibadan to promote public speaking and critical thinking among students in Nigeria. Dr. Lanre Bello was represented by Mr. Wale Alagbomeji, a member of the Junior Chambers International. The keynote speaker was Mr Adewole Opeyemi, represented by Mrs. Fasoro.
