Fifteen-year-old Ifeoluwa Olaiya won Nigeria Info’s ‘I Beg to Differ’ debate tournament, earning ₦1 million. She debated against Hameed Olarenwaju and also faced Esther Joseph on the topic of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. Olaiya argued against the motion due to concerns over electoral legitimacy and selective anti-corruption efforts, while Joseph defended Tinubu’s economic reforms. The tournament concluded with the top four debaters qualifying for a champion’s edition later this year.
Ifeoluwa Olaiya, a 15-year-old student from Wellspring College, has emerged as the champion of the eighth edition of Nigeria Info’s ‘I Beg to Differ’ student debate tournament. Her victory came with a grand prize of ₦1 million after a compelling final round against fellow student Hameed Olarenwaju. Olaiya also debated 16-year-old Esther Joseph on the motion, “President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated he is the right leader for Nigeria.”
In her arguments against the motion, Olaiya asserted that many Nigerians consider President Tinubu’s election to be illegitimate, despite the Supreme Court’s dismissal of electoral malpractice allegations. She criticized his leadership within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing instability and recent member state withdrawals. Furthermore, she contended that his administration’s anti-corruption measures seem selective, often targeting opposition figures while neglecting accusations against prominent officials like Betta Edu and Sadiya Umar Farouq.
Supporting the motion, Esther Joseph presented President Tinubu’s economic reforms, linking them to his successful governance in Lagos State. She underscored improvements in the nation’s transportation infrastructure and the enhanced economic autonomy of states under his administration. During the final round, the topic shifted to their views on “The Nigerian Woman,” prompting thought-provoking discussions.
The judges reached a split decision, crowning Ifeoluwa Olaiya as the tournament winner. Chalokwu Naomi achieved third place when her competitor, Akinsulie Oyindamola, withdrew from the contest. Cash prizes of ₦1 million, ₦500,000, and ₦250,000 were awarded to the top three winners, facilitated by Femi Obong-Daniels, Group Manager of CoolWazobiaNigeriaInfo, along with sponsors Obiwezy and Diamonds and Pearls Travels.
The top four debaters automatically qualify for the I Beg to Differ Tournament of Champions, which will occur later this year, highlighting their remarkable debating prowess.
In summary, Ifeoluwa Olaiya’s victory in Nigeria Info’s ‘I Beg to Differ’ tournament showcases her exceptional debating skills. Her arguments engaging with political legitimacy, economic reforms, and regional leadership effectively contributed to her success. The tournament not only rewarded her achievements but also set the stage for future competitions among Nigeria’s brightest young debaters.
Original Source: www.nigeriainfo.fm
