It’s no doubt that the role of leadership in any given organization is of utmost importance, on which the future of the concerned organization is dependent. However, leadership like most things is subject to change. The Nnamdi Azikwe Literary and Debating Society (NALDS) witnessed a change of leadership on the 8th of February, 2022. A new executive for the L & D was formed with Omotayo Ajibola appointed as the President of the society, Ugbumiekon Emmanuel as Vice president, Tijani Kabeer as General secretary, Oyedijo Olarenwaju as Public relations officer, and Akinkuolie Emmanuel as Speech reviser.
Omotayo takes over from Chiziterem Ogbonna who had led the society to the quarterfinal round of Jaw War last year, the biggest public speaking event in UI. Omotayo has also proved his mettle in public speaking and had represented Zik hall twice at Jaw War. He was the winner of the Best Rookie award in the 2019 edition of Jaw War. He also represented Zik hall during Awo hall’s L & D day last year and clinched the top prize. Omotayo also has multiple awards under his belt from public speaking competitions in his faculty.
In a brief interview session with him, Omotayo speaks on his plans for the society. He says, “I’m committed to strengthening the plans and structures that have been put in place from previous administrations. We are also on the train of actuating the spirit of excellent literary spirit amongst our members. In previous years, the focus had always tilted towards debating. We are about changing the narrative and sharpening the literary side of the society. We already started with the Writing challenge. Expect more of this from this administration. And of course, our eyes are on the Jaw War. I’m using ‘we’ and ‘our’ because I’m not the only one involved”.
Although the L & D has had some impressive performances at public speaking competitions in UI, there has been lesser prominence at Jaw War as the society has been knocked out at the quarterfinal stage four times in a row since 2017. The new President however assures, “Nothing should stop us from winning any competition that comes our way. Evidently, last year, we won all the competitions we attended, except that we crashed out at the quarter finals of Jaw War. And speaking of Jaw War, there are a number of issues that could affect any constituencies’ performance. Judging, sound system, one-sidedness of topics, are issues to grapple with. Regardless, we should win the Jaw War. In fact, we will win the Jaw War”.
Martial Pen
