By: Gbadebo Oladimeji Emmanuel
Ibadan, Oyo State – The Super Bowl Oratory Contest, held on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Dame Edith Okowa Hall, Alumni Center, University of Ibadan, showcased exceptional public speaking talents from 14 outstanding students across tertiary institutions in Oyo State.
This Season’s contest, themed “This is Nigeria,” featured three stages, that tested participants’ ability to articulate their thoughts, opinions, and ideas on various aspects of Nigerian society.
Hon. Victor Olojede, Senior Special Assistant on Students Affairs to Governor Seyi Makinde, warmly welcomed attendees and contestants to the seventh season of Super Bowl, celebrating the brilliance, creativity, and intellectual strength of young minds. He congratulated the finalists on their achievement, emphasizing that the true essence of the oratory contest lies not in winning or losing, but in fostering an environment where ideas are exchanged, confidence is built, and future leaders are nurtured. By doing so, Hon. Olojede made aware the contest’s potential to shaping the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers.
Following the welcoming remarks the event kicked off with a vibrant and colorful procession of the contestants, who proudly showcased their rich cultural heritage by donning diverse traditional attires. As they elegantly marched before the esteemed judges and the entire audience, the room was filled with excitement, curiosity, and appreciation for the unique cultural expressions on display. The procession not only added a touch of pageantry to the event but also served as a testament to the diversity and creativity of the young participants, setting the tone for a memorable and engaging oratory contest.
Renowned journalist and activist, Mr. Fisayo Soyombo, delivered a thoughtful keynote address at Super Bowl Season 7, expertly unpacking the theme “This is Nigeria”. With his characteristic passion and insight, he urged the attendees to critically examine the complexities and dynamics of the Nigerian Society.
Meet the contestants:
1. Quadri Abdulazeez Opemipo – Federal School of Surveying, Oyo.
2. Fayomi busola Rachel – The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
3. Adekunle Ayomide – LAUTECH
4. Ige Ebenezer Oyebisi – Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Oyo.
5. Kolade Daniella Abimbola – Abiola Ajumobi Technical University.
6. Chineke Ugochukwu – University of Ibadan.
7. Owoade Oreoluwa – Ajayi Crowther University
8. Adesina Michael Olumuyiwa – Lead City University
9. Jeffrey Ikehide – Atiba University, Oyo
10. Jacinta Nwaamaka Nwachukwu – Dominican University
11. Tiamiyu Asanat oyedele : Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo.
12. Aremu Kehinde Emmanuel : Federal college of forestry, Jericho, Ibadan.
13. Awoyemi Isaiah Olasukanmi : Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele, Ibadan.
14. Apesinola Taiwo Adunola : Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan.
At the end of the contest, Chineke Ugochukwu (University of Ibadan) was crowned Best Male Speaker and also emerged as the overall winner; while Jacinta Nwaamaka Nwachukwu (Dominican University) was named the Best Female Speaker.
Top Three Winners:
- First Place: Chineke Ugochukwu (University of Ibadan)
- First Runner Up: Jacinta Nwaamaka Nwachukwu (Dominican University)
- Second Runner Up: Kolade Daniella Abimbola (Abiola Ajimobi Technical University)
Judges Panel:
The event was judged by a distinguished panel, including:
1. Dr. Demola Lewis
2. Dr. Adeyinka
3. Dr. Olayinka Abimbola Egbokhare
4. Mr. Goodness Kolawole
5. Dr. Olusoji Samson Olatunji
Dignitaries in Attendance:
Prominent Dignitaries from various sectors graced Super Bowl Season 7, showcasing their commitment to youth development. Notable among them were Hon. Bimbo Kolade, Commissioner for Revenue Mobilization and Allocation, who represented the President of Nigeria; Mr. Mubarak Akinboye, representative of the Secretary to the State Government; Hon. Laurel Abiodun, Senior Special Assistant on Project Delivery to the Oyo State Governor; Hon. Seun Olufade, Chairman of Ibadan North LGA; Hon. Akinshete, Adviser to the Governor on Land, Housing, and Urban Development; and Hon. Victor Olojede, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, among others.
The award presentation was expertly anchored by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA), to Oyo State Governor on Students Affairs where Hon. Bimbo Kolade, Commissioner for Revenue Mobilization and Allocation, presented awards to all contestants, recognizing their outstanding performances and achievements.
The Super Bowl Oratory Contest serves as a vital platform for empowering students, showcasing their intellectual prowess, and fostering meaningful discourse on critical national issues.
