24th November, 2024
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) has emerged as the Southwest(SW) champion of the 7 for 7 National Values Charter Campus Debate and Capacity Building Conference, tagged Join the Value Train to Campus, and organized by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to ignite a passion for national values among Nigeria’s brightest minds.
The event is also a National identity project championed by the Director General of the National orientation agency, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu.
However, LAUTECH emerged champion of the South West zone by defeating the University of Ibadan at an event which occurred at Julius Berger Hall of the University of Lagos, on the 22nd of November 2024.
Adekunle Ayomide and Oladeji Olushina represented LAUTECH, while the University of Ibadan, was represented by Oyedijo Olarenwaju and Chineke Ugochukwu.
The debate topic, “7 for 7 National Values Charter: Striking the Balance Between Government Promises and Citizens’ Responsibilities in Nation-Building,” challenged them to unpack the intricate relationship between governance and civic duty.
The debate was intense, with arguments flowing like a duel of wits.
Ayomide’s calm yet authoritative voice laid out LAUTECH’s vision of accountability, while Olushina’s compelling examples painted a picture of shared responsibility. Their opponents from the University of Ibadan were no less formidable, weaving in historical insights and pragmatic solutions.
After deliberation, the judges declared LAUTECH the Southwest Zone champion. Cheers erupted as the duo stepped forward to receive their prize: a ₦5,000,000 cheque and a ticket to the grand finale, where they would compete for the ultimate prize of ₦20,000,000.
Beyond the debate, the event offered a rich capacity-building conference led by distinguished facilitators.
Oluseye Taiwo Adepoju, known as The Oracle, shared his insights on leadership and personal development, drawing from his experience as a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and entrepreneur.
Dr. Leonard Okonkwo, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, captivated the audience with his deep dive into human behavior and its impact on societal progress. His anecdotes and practical exercises inspired attendees to take charge of their mental and emotional well-being.
Program coordinator Tolu Meduna encapsulated the spirit of the event in her address: “Our goal is to raise Citizen Values Brigadiers—youths who will champion the ethos of unity, accountability, and resilience. This is how we build a stronger Nigeria.”
She stated that the ‘Value-Train-To-Campus’ will journey six zones of Nigeria to determine zonal winners who will go head-to-head at the National grand finale and the winner will be determined by viewers online.
Tolu noted that in October 2024, all government tertiary institutions were invited to submit a 3-5mins video debating the topic 7 for 7 National Values Charter: Striking a balance between government promises and citizens’ responsibilities in nation building.
This video submission served as the key determining criteria for the competition.
Dignitaries like Hon. Moruf Akinderu Fatai, Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, and Hon. Opeyemi Alabi, Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Youth Mobilisation, Izehi Semira Founder/CRO shape A Child Initiative also lent their voices to the cause.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with our collective mission to create a Nigeria where values drive progress,” Hon. Fatai noted.
As the event drew to a close, the significance of the 7 for 7 National Values Charter resonated deeply with participants. It was more than a debate or a conference; it was a call to action, a movement to inspire unity, responsibility, and growth across the nation. The participants received Citizens Values Brigade certificate for participation in the conference.
For LAUTECH, the journey continues to the grand finale. But for all who attended, the message was clear: the path to a greater Nigeria lies in embracing our shared values and responsibilities. And so, the value train rolls on, uniting hearts and minds in its wake.
