By: Nnamdi Maduabuchi
On Saturday the 14th of October, 2023, a Leadership and Public Speaking Summit was organised by the Faculty of Education in collaboration with Inate Initiative at the Faculty of Education Large Lecture Theatre(LLT).
The President of the Nigerian Universities Education Students Association (NUESA) UI gave a welcome address where he indicated his pride that he was the president of the largest faculty in the University of Ibadan.
“You’ll turn out to be a responsible leader and at the same time a good leader.” He said.
Present at the event were people from the affiliate campus at Ilesha and members of NUESA from Abeokuta and Oyo.
The first speaker of the event, Mr Joseph Amenaghawon, the Team Lead of Civic Hive. He spoke on ‘Public Speaking and What it Really Means’.
He talked on the importance of self confidence and several things important to public speaking such as studying, learning from others, the importance of understanding etc.
“The most important ingredient is the concept of self-confidence. The concept of self-confidence is something we build over time,” Mr. Joseph added.
During the course of the event, there was an entertainment interlude a violinist was called to perform.
Up next was the Head of Tracka, Ms. Ayomide Ladipo, who covered the topic, ‘How to be an Active Citizen’. She spoke on ways to use technology tools to keep government projects in line and mentioned websites in which can be of help.
“Even though Nigeria has a lot of problems we cannot solve, but for your own community, you can move the needle.” She encouraged.
Mr Tobi Thomas Olaitan, the Head of Program Coordinator Strategy of Strategy for Mentoring Initiative and Leadership Empowerment (S.M.I.L.E.) also addressed the audience on three Es that help to maximise oneself; Education, Experience and Expertise– and 6 steps to becoming someone inspiring and proactive: self-awareness; self-development; self-improvement; getting mentors, mentees and friends; leading with a genuine heart and solving a problem.
Then, there was a spoken word from a member of Independence Hall, Mayowa Ademola Peculiar which was followed by a live performance from a student of the OAU Music Department.
Finally, Mr Temidayo Musa, the Head, Operations and Programs Civic Hive came up to speak. He advised those in attendance to find themselves, invest in themselves, volunteer, speak out, keep learning and tell their story.
The meeting ended with a short question and answer session, and a vote of thanks, after which refreshments were shared and the meeting was brought to a close.
