Nigeria info unveils debate competition

A radio station, Nigeria Info has unveiled its flagship program, the ‘I Beg to Differ’ debate competition for secondary schools.

During a press conference announcing the commencement of the competition, titled ‘Tournament of Champions,’ the General Manager, Nigeria Info, Wazobia, Cool, and Kids FM, Femi Obong-Daniels, stated that the debate aimed to amplify the voices of the country’s youth.

The competition specifically targets secondary school students aged 13 to 17.

16 of the country’s top debaters would compete in the national finals, which will take place over three weeks from Monday, August 12th, to Thursday, August 29th, 2024.

He explain that the best contestants were from Lagos, Portharcout and Abuja, saying they would be flown into Lagos for the national finale.

Daniel said, “The national finals will be broadcast live on Nigeria Info in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja, as well as on Kids FM. It will also be streamed live on YouTube and radio, reaching a large audience. The competition will feature a diverse panel of judges, with at least four to five judges, including a language judge.”

“The major topics span everything from politics, governance, and current affairs to human-interest stories. During the tournament, the radio is on lockdown between 4 PM and 6 PM.

“From my experience sitting with those kids, I am genuinely impressed by their quality of thought and mindset. As a Nigerian, it fills me with hope. If young people can engage so intellectually with topics like governance, the country, policy, and politics, then there is hope for our future.

Some of them are so brilliant that it makes you wonder what you were doing with your own life at 15, 16, or 17.’”

The I Beg to Differ Tournament of Champions will be hosted by Femi Obong-Daniels and Yvonne Okhaifo.