Fifteen-year-old Ifeoluwa Olaiya won Nigeria Info’s I Beg to Differ debate tournament, earning ₦1 million. She argued against the motion that President Tinubu is the right leader for Nigeria, highlighting issues of legitimacy and selective anti-corruption efforts. Esther Joseph, who supported the motion, praised Tinubu’s economic reforms. The judges declared Olaiya the winner, and the top four debaters qualified for the Tournament of Champions.
Ifeoluwa Olaiya, a 15-year-old student from Wellspring College, has triumphed in the eighth edition of Nigeria Info’s I Beg to Differ student debate tournament, winning a grand prize of ₦1 million. In the final round, she debated against fellow 15-year-old Hameed Olarenwaju, having previously confronted 16-year-old Esther Joseph on the motion: “President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated he is the right leader for Nigeria.”
Arguing against the motion, Olaiya asserted that President Tinubu lacks legitimacy among many Nigerians, with some perceiving his election as flawed despite the Supreme Court’s dismissal of electoral malpractice cases. She further criticized his leadership role within ECOWAS, pointing to regional instability and the recent withdrawal of member states. Additionally, she claimed that the administration’s anti-corruption initiatives appear biased, targeting opposition figures while neglecting allegations against key officials such as Betta Edu and Sadiya Umar Farouq.
Esther Joseph, who supported the motion, praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms, drawing comparisons to his time as Lagos State governor. She highlighted enhancements to transportation and improvements in rail infrastructure, arguing that his leadership has afforded states increased economic autonomy. In the final round, both debaters presented their perspectives on “The Nigerian Woman.”
Following a split decision, the judges declared Ifeoluwa Olaiya as the tournament winner. Chalokwu Naomi achieved third place after competitor Akinsulie Oyindamola withdrew. Femi Obong-Daniels, Group Manager of CoolWazobiaNigeriaInfo, along with sponsors Obiwezy and Diamonds and Pearls Travels, awarded cash prizes of ₦1 million, ₦500,000, and ₦250,000 to the top three winners, alongside additional gifts. Furthermore, the top four debaters secured spots in the upcoming I Beg to Differ Tournament of Champions scheduled for later this year.
In conclusion, Ifeoluwa Olaiya’s victory in the I Beg to Differ debate tournament highlights her compelling arguments against President Tinubu’s leadership, contrasting sharply with the support expressed by her opponent. The competition not only showcased the talent of young debaters but also emphasized the critical discourse surrounding Nigerian leadership. The tournament’s future, featuring the best debaters in the Tournament of Champions, promises to continue fostering debate and civic engagement among students.
Original Source: www.nigeriainfo.fm
