That Democracy May Survive

Party Politics and Democratic Sustenance; 2015 General Election in Focus was the theme of discussion at this year annual Fresher's Oratory Contest as put together by the Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ilorin chapter.

The contest was a product of innate desire to actualize and promote good verbal confidence and writing skill in students. It is particularly open to all newly admitted students of the university. This year edition of the contest was staged at the institution's auditorium basement penultimate Wednesday. It attracted participants from various faculties of the institution which include; the faculty of physical sciences, faculty of environmental sciences, faculty of education, faculty of arts, faculty of agric., faculty of social sciences, faculty of management sciences, and the faculty of law.

The preliminary stage of the contest attracted nine faculties but only five students, each representing the faculties of law, education, arts, engineering and faculty of Science qualified to the grand finale.

While declaring the contest open, the Director; Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Unilorin, Dr. Mahfuz Adedimeji, who doubles also as staff adviser to the union remarked that; “while examination may not necessarily be a true test of knowledge; in life a winner may not necessarily be the best. Life is itself a competition ground where individuals face challenges on a daily basis and achievement is recorded only through individual effort.” He thus, congratulated all participants that would eventually emerge successful in the contest as well as those that would emerge less successful for a work well done. He said; it takes a lot to be in the contest, thus; he wished the participants a successful outing.

In the final stage of the contest, each of the final contestants were given a maximum five minutes to defend their position on the topic, “Party Politics and Democratic Sustenance; 2015 General Election in Focus.”

The guest lecturer of the day, Dr. Lukman Saka of the department of political science, university of Ilorin in his 'special guest lecture' at the forum, however gave an impressive insight on the topic under discuss. He suggested ways for a peaceful outing in the conduct of the forthcoming general election. He said; “In other to record a free, fair and credible general election in 2015, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must remain an independent body devoid of impartiality, and must earmark on constructive but legal strategies towards conducting a peaceful, free, fair and credible election. This is crucial towards the success of the February 14, 2015 general election.”

The political scientist, advised politicians to see the trust given them as an image of trust which must not be truncated by personal and selfish interest, rather; it should serve as a guiding principle to deliver justice and fairness to the people.

He added that, “Security of the nation should be a common aim and a collecteve effort of a politically conscious and progressive society. Hence, all political stakeholders must be duly accountable to the people.

Also at the event, the Assistant General Secretary, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara chapter, Mallam Abubakare Mustapha, who represented the NUJ chairman Kwara State, Mr. Abdulkareem Abiodun urged all students of the university of Ilorin to get involved in educative programs capable of expanding their potential towards the fast growing developments around the world. This he said, will help the students leave the four walls of the institution better than they met it.

After an extensively tough outing which saw each contestant sweating out points to claim the coveted price, the judges'; having scaled performances of each actor in moderation, and efforts were graded based on appearance, composure, speaking ability, high points and time management.

Mr. Victory Evans Emmanuel of the faculty of engineering emerged the overall best winner of the contest. While Miss Olawuyi Damilola of the faculty of education came out first runner up, and Mr. Ajibade Temidayo from the department of physical sciences turned out the second runner up.

Gift items, which includes; mobile phones, t-shirts, stationeries, among other things were given out accordingly to the winners as well as other participants.

The union president, Mr. Tiamiyu Taofeek, a final year Agric. Science student in his speech remarked that; "Everyone has a role to play in sustaining the heritage of democracy without being intimidated. The Nigerian populace which represents the eligible voters needs to ensure peaceful co-existence among diverse groups. Divergence in terms of political parties, race and tribal affiliation should not be a major problem; we all are enjoined to be law abiding citizens and not agents of destruction." He expressed profound gratitude to the gathering, which include resource persons such as, the Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Unilorin, Dr. Mahfus Adedimeji, former Dep. Vice-Chancellor, Unilorin, Professor R. A Lawal, Chairman Nigerian Union of Journalists, Kwara chapter, Mr. AbdulKareem Abiodun, the H.O.D, Computer Science, Dr. R.G Jimoh, Dept. Director, Directorate of Cooperate Affairs Commission, Unilorin, Mr. Kunle Akogun, Mr. Olusegun Mokuolu, Mallam Abubakare Mustapha, as well as Mr. Mubarak Oladosu also of Directorate of Cooperate Affairs Commission, Unilorin. Others include; former presidents of the union and other distinguished principal officers and members.

The occasion also featured comments and observations, and a poem presentation composed and delivered by the union general secretary dedicated to the memory of late Zakariyyah Abiodun Olowo, a university scholar and immediate past president of the union whose tenure was short-lived. The union witnessed also in the last academic session the sudden demise of another member, Comrade Adekanmi Hammed. Until his death, he was a vibrant member of the union and former treasurer of NUESA, Unilorin chapter. A minute silence was observed in honor of the two selfless members.

Odeyemi Afis Olawale, 300 Level History Student; report from Unilorin.

(For comments and or observation, you can reach him via mail: [email protected]. or 08030487659)