By: Waaliy Bello

The Vice President of the Great Independence Hall Literary and Debating Society, Eriomala John, on Saturday, 10th December 2022, emerged as Winner of the Best Impromptu Speech at the Lord Tedder Hall King of The Podium Contest.

John scored 70.5 points to be crowned the winner ahead of contenders from Obafemi Awolowo Hall and the Sultan Bello Hall, who scored 66 and 62.3 points respectively. The event, which also featured an Intra-Hall Rookie Oratory Contest, was organized by the Lord Tedder Hall Literary and Debating Society.

The King of The Podium is an event organized by the Literary and Debate Society annually to present the newest intakes, as various public speakers compete against each other. For the Rookie Contest, there were eight participants who delivered five-minute speeches on the t opic; ‘Should Religious Symbols be banned in public spaces?”.

Jegede Steve emerged as “The Best Speaker” with 80.3 points, ahead of Suleiman Oluwaseun, with 62.2, and Omobobola James, 57.8.

Speaking with Indy Press on his experience after the event, Steve said “When the results were finally announced, it took quite a while for it all to settle in, especially given the margins. But when it finally did, my excitement knew no bounds. In all, it was elating. I was overjoyed. I would never have imagined I’d be so excited. I almost didn’t even know how to act. But in all, we thank God”

Notable attendees at the event included the Students’ Union President, Adewole Yinka, the President of the Literary and Debating Society, UI, Williams Neyen, and veteran public speakers like Michael Barnabas, Egwaoje Joy, and Ogunsanya Goodness, who were judges at the event.

Expressing his joy after his victory, John said “it was a win I didn’t see coming. I still remember speaking to someone after the event and telling them how surprised I was. Honestly, I’m just glad we won and looking forward to even more victories”.