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Whao! Whao!! Whao!!! Ladies and gentlemen, the educational aficionados, the cerebral analysts and pundits, respected Nairaland intelligentsia and commentariat, observers and watchers all well respected Nigerian students both in Nigeria and Abroad, it's our pleasure to welcome you once again to THE SECOND EDITION OF NAIRALAND INTERSCHOOL DEBATE, the ESSAY SUBMISSION STAGE, Twenty four schools applied for this EDITION but only SIX school sent across their ENTRY ESSAY which presupposes that 6 schools will be climbing the fence of this phase to the group stage...
The first edition is now erstwhile yes it is , all plaudit, acclamation and adoration to God for the megahit of the first edition, and also to our personage Judges and audience..... and here we go with the SECOND CHAPTER OF this esteemed interschool online debate i hope you find it more poignant, savory, piquant and educative.... Relax and read enthralling, bedazzle and spellbind write up from our portentous, stupendous and astounding contestant ... it's our relish to welcome you to the SECOND edition of the NAIRALAND INTERSCHOOL DEBATE. For those who have not been following, you may go through the history here:
https://www.nairaland.com/1851738/nairaland-interschool-debate-2013-2014
*grabs popcorn with smoov*

TOPIC:
www.nairaland.com/attachments/2408709_religion_jpeg3fd87c4c8a1ed8df94ac59a703bdf6e6

CHIEF HOST
Seun GCFR-NL
Mark Zuckergerg of Nigeria
CEO of Nairaland

CHAIRMAN
lalasticlala


COORDINATOR
Olawalebabs
Fynestboi
Richiez
Fattybabakay


JUDGES
Jarus
Caracta

www.nairaland.com/attachments/2408709_religion_jpeg3fd87c4c8a1ed8df94ac59a703bdf6e6
UNILORIN (for) VS FUNAAB (against)


[size=15pt]UNILORIN[/size]

shehuaba
illicit
seedorfgf
segtxes23
lukaze
neyoor
kika23

[size=15pt]FUNAAB[/size]


pseudonomer
Nunushokoto
Ibsgal

1.) All contestants representing each citadel are expected to forward their essay to the designated email on or before (Saturday 10am) anything antithetical to this hypothecates disqualification.

2.) The recommended font size is the default size (size 8.) and the colour is Green for the supporting side and BLUE for the opposing side. Please note that you are to use the designated colour all through the debate period.

3.) The essay should be in maximum of 1000 words.

4.) The use of SMS language and abbreviations are strictly interdicted.

5.) All materials used should be properly referenced at the end of the essay.

JUDGING CRITERIA (5 marks each)

1. Presentation

2. Logic of arguments

3. Strenght of facts, examples, cases.

4. Persuasiveness

5. Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the subject

UNILORIN OR FUNAAB? Which school is going to shine today?

Let's wait and find out by seeing how it goes today...---- Lalasticlala...

REPRESENTING: UNILORIN
NEYOOR

Religion and Ethnic diversities in Nigeria: triggers for national
chaos or reason we still stand?

All protocols are dully and appropriately observed. I go by the nomenclature, Oyedeji Oyeniyi a.k.a Neyoor, a representative of the
better by far university of Ilorin. With a thunderous and vociferous voiceless voice, I'm here to Support the motion that goes thus: Religion and Ethnic diversities in Nigeria: triggers for national chaos or reason we still stand?

An argument ensues only when an issue is untrue or in a wishy-washy mode, but in a case like this, the topic is not a debate nor an issue to drag, I will just like to open the eyes of my humble readers and that of my co-debaters to this topic, as I do justice to it.

Nigeria, a country where her citizens belong to different castes, religions and regions and speak different languages is still acknowledging the fact that we are one, through the introduction of some policies like, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, the Unity Schools, the Federal Character principle and States creation among few. I know my opponent and my esteemed readers would want to use the above factor stated by me, as a fact to oppose the topic that goes thus: Religion and Ethnic diversities in Nigeria: triggers for national chaos or reason we still stand?, but I would like you to narrow your mind to the coherent, concise and correct points I'm ready to unleash to buttress my assertion that; Religion and Ethnic diversities in Nigeria Triggers National Chaos rather than symbolizing our unity.

Firstly, religion and ethnic diversities in Nigeria creates room for selfish desires. Unity is one of those hard to describe art terms but, when it's present, your eye and brain are pleased to see it. Religion and Ethnic diversities is one of the major problems causing disunity and chaos in this country and this is born out of selfish interest from religion and ethnic extremists. A typical example was practiced
in the last National Electoral process that took place in this country. A situation where a particular region was striving hard to retain power, while another region, with born to rule ideology was trying hard to unseat the incumbent. The election results from both region clearly shows a resemblance of selfish ambition to rule. I'm sure my opponents were also aware that the 2011 post-election violence were triggered by religion and ethnic diversities in Nigeria.

Moreover, Ethnic and Religion are interwoven because they causes similar problems and it is on this note that I want to quote Dr. Rafiu
Ibrahim of department of religion, University of Ilorin, he said in one of his articles that; differences in our religion and culture are
one of the major tools used in disrupting and polarizing the peace and well being of this society, instead of binding us together. Religion and Ethnic diversities plays a major role in hindering inter-tribal relationships, such as inter-tribal marriages. Many parents and guardians prefer their children to marry from their tribe because of the language difference and some stupid conventional beliefs. This is really derogatory to the unity of this country.

Furthermore, Religion and Ethnic diversities is causing chaos and severe set back to the economy sector of this nation, it is serving
as a barrier to free flow of most business transactions in Nigeria. A situation where Yoruba men fear to engage in business activities with
the Easterners in Nigeria, they are always with the opinion that Igbo people will cheat them, since they play the smart one in business
ventures. The Igbos also fear to trade with the Northerners, because of the fear of being rejected or even attacked by the Hausas. Now, tell me how religion and ethnic diversities is uniting us in this contest.

My opponent might want to make reference to the 1914 amalgamation that was introduced by Sir Lord Lugard, as a cogent for unity in this country but believe me, what we are now witnessing in Nigeria of today is a shadow of the so called amalgamation process. There is absolute higledy-pigledy, economic collapse, political commotion, wars, social dislocation e.t.c, in our country of today and this is imminent because we are torn apart by our religion and ethnic views. I'm even afraid we might just woke up a day and see a particular ethnic group clamouring for freedom, because they no longer enjoy the unity we share.

It is opprobrious, sardonic and devastating to see that Nigeria, a country united by her geographical location, universal skin colour and skeptically bi-lingual is suffering more harm from the deadly virus called religion and ethnic diversities.


Thanks!



[size=18pt]WORD COUNT: 779[/size]

NAME: ANUNUKEM SAMUEL
SCHOOL: FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, ABEOKUTA (FUNAAB)
DEBATE TOPIC: RELIGIOUS AND ETHNIC DIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA: TRIGGERS FOR NATIONAL CHAOS OR REASON WE STAND?

A religion is an organized collection of beliefs, cultural system, and world views that relate to humanity and order of existence. An ethnic is a general idea of belief relating to a particular race, nation or tribe and their customs and traditions that influences people’s behavior and attitude. Majorly, there are three religions in Nigerian – Christianity, Islam and the Traditional religion. There are more than 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria; examples are the Efik, Ibibio, Tiv, Fulani, Igala, Idoma, Kambiri, Gwari, Ibira, to mention but a few. Religious and ethnic diversities in Nigeria is the reason we stand. WHY?
In Nigeria today, it is now common to see an Igbo man get married to a Fulani lady or a Muslim man get married to a Christian woman. This is because of the understanding among both ethnic groups and religious believers and this brings about love among people of diverse religion and ethnic group, making us see one another as one family. In other words, ethnic and religious diversities help to achieve intertribal marriage in Nigeria which puts the nation in a peaceful state.
Also, religious and ethnic diversities bring about diversity in reasoning and ideas as people from different ethnic groups and religious beliefs gather together to bring different ideas and ways of tackling a particular issue brought before them. Diversity of ideas makes it quicker and easier to tackle any problem as everyone brings different ideas and opinion and the best way is chosen towards tackling the problem. This in turn brings about good and stable governance in the country and also brings about growth in the country’s economy.
Business wise, ethnic diversity brings about peace between tribes and people in terms of business dealing in the sense that when a Yoruba farmer goes to the north to carry out a business transaction with a northern herdsman, they sit down and reason together to achieve the aim of the meeting. When they have both reached a compromise, both parties go home smiling. This helps to foster relationship between the northerners and the westerners as so many other business activities and transaction would occur between both tribes and this brings about peace and tranquility in the nation, thereby moving the country forward.
When the country encounters challenges, different religious worshippers come together to pray to their respective Gods. While the Christians pray in the name of the Almighty God, the Muslims or Islamic believers pray in the name of Allah. Different people from different tribes also come together to reason the way out of the challenge facing the country at that moment, asking their God for assistance. In other words, religious and ethnic diversity brings unity among different religious believers in the aspect of prayers rendered towards the well-being of the country.
Nigeria is a country blessed with natural resources, each part of the country has a particular natural resource unique to that area. In search of greener pasture, people from different ethnic group, tribes or religion move from one place to another. They meet and interact with each other, work together, reason together and live together. Different resources in diverse part of the country bring people from different walks of life together.
When festivals take place, for example, the Eyo festival which takes place in Lagos state, people from other ethnic groups, states or religion in Nigeria gather together to celebrate in peace and harmony. Different ethnic festivals from different ethnic groups has made it possible for people to meet new people and interact with them and also learn new things from each other which ensures unity, peace and also brings about development in the nation.

In terms of agriculture, Nigeria is blessed with fertile soil in every part of the country. Different kind of soil type is found in different part of the country. Different agricultural produce from different ethnic groups also makes us to stand. For example, everyone eats beans and beans come from the north and this beans is being transported from the north to the west and to the east. In the east, palm oil is being produces and it is used in every part of the country. Yam flour produces in the West, cattle which serves as milk and meat reared by Fulani herdsmen are both used in every part of the country. This brings cordial relationship between citizens of the country.
Finally, in the aspect of clothing and textiles, different clothing and textile materials are found in different part of the country. As Kampala is produced in the West, Guinea is produces in the North and Ankara is produced in the East. Ethnic diversities has made it possible for Nigerians to have diverse choice of clothing and accessories and it is no more a surprise when you see an Igbo man wearing a cloth made of Guinea fabric produced in the North or to find a Yoruba man travelling all the way down to the East just because he knows the Ankara fabric produced there is the best and he wants quality material. This helps to promote mutual relationship among people because we wear new things, look good, everyone lives happily and the country keeps moving forward.
With the points stated above, I strongly believe that I have been able to convince you that religious and ethnic diversity in Nigeria is the reason we stand and is the reason we are still together as one despite the different challenges that we have encountered in this country. God bless Nigeria

REPRESENTING: FUNNAB


Religion and Ethnic Diversities in Nigeria: The reason we still stand

We are stronger with our diversity.

Nigeria is a diverse country with about 150 Million people; it is multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious; hugely pluralistic and clearly heterogeneous. In fact, the beauty and strength of its existence as a nation lie in the variety and unity of its set up. Imagine the complexities and divergences that exist in the stretch from Port Harcourt to Sokoto; from Lagos to Maiduguri, or from Enugu to Yola. The geographical landscape of the country varies, stretching from the Sahel Savannah in the far North to the rain forest down South, just like the people who are also remarkably unique in their individual outlooks and orientations, but united in their humanity. These diversities are evidently manifested in the citizens’ cultural and religious practices. For instance, there are more than 400 documented ethnic groups across the land comprising of millions of people who are adherents of the two major religions of Islam and Christianity and, to a lesser extent, the traditional religion (Albert, 2002). The citizens are religious in profession and even the Constitution is religious, as it begins with the words “UNDER GOD”, though the Nation has not adopted any religion as a State Religion. God is centrally considered in the affairs of the people.


It has been established that no significant differences in human neurobiology exist to justify the preoccupation with human differences. An evaluation of the perceptions of ethnic identity among people in developed nations show that ethnic affiliation is a transient phenomenon; that people attach less importance to ethnic or cultural identity as their circumstances change. There is no reason to believe this evolutionary phenomenon will elude Nigerians since no organic differences exist between Nigerians and other human species.


Though some people continue to view ethnic affiliation in essentialist terms in Nigeria, signs of a gradual shift are evident. For example, most Nigerians do not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity until their primal sentiments are aroused or their economic or political interests are threatened. In other words, the social architecture in modern Nigeria is no longer grounded on ethnic affiliation, but on the temporal rhythms of the information age. Even among ethnic groups that have historically experienced intense conflicts, cultural diffusion is evident. Ethnic groups borrowed from the language and customs of close neighbors and those along trade routes. In some cases, relations have evolved to the extent that ethnic animosity does not manifest at all in social events: marriage, music and dance, individual relationships and other forms of entertainment.

The question that needs to be confronted is how to make the tough choice between ethnic sentiments and the opportunities offered by cultural diversity in Nigeria. Viewed differently, diversity offers an opportunity for people to re-evaluate how they perceive themselves as well as how they perceive others. This is crucial because tribal stereotypes and preconceived perceptions block out ideas that might benefit the nation.
Think of the richness ethnic diversity holds for Nigeria. People from diverse ethnic backgrounds bring individual ideas, talents and experiences that could be useful in addressing common problems. Embracing diversity will allow us to draw from a pool of talents to meet our developmental needs more effectively. Encouraging diversity in all spheres of our national life; work, sports, schools and colleges; civic and political organizations will empower and inspire all citizens to contribute creatively, and perform to their highest ability.


As a society we are enriched by contributions each individual member brings to the nation regardless of ethnic or perceived cultural differences. What is required in the 21st Century is a new national culture grounded on loyalty to the State instead of ethnic loyalties. We need to foster an attitude of openness in the national dialogue about the challenges confronting the nation and its people; encouraging citizens to express their ideas and opinions, and attribute a sense of equal value to all. Certainly, there will be resistance from those wedded to their primordial mode of thinking. We can ward off resistance with inclusion and by demonstrating positive attitudes toward ethnic diversity in our dialogue, and allow it to permeate our interactions.


Given the dearth of compatriots who could be regarded as positive role models in Nigeria, one would suggest a motivation to embrace diversity that draws from the line in the old national anthem that reads "though tribe and tongue, and religion [the latter added] may differ, in brotherhood we stand”

According to Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar; The Sultan of Sokoto (2007), ”in pointing out that conflict between Muslims and Christians was, until recently, a rare occurrence it is worth in Nigeria; further families especially in the southwest and the north central zones, harbour members of different religious affiliations who had co-existed and continue to co-exist in peace and harmony.”


Are we the only country with ethnic or religious diversity? I want to bring our attention to nations that have embraced and exploited their diversity. Singapore is one country that has flourished with a multi-tribal society. They have been able to give equality to all Singaporeans regardless of age, tribe or religion. America is another country that displays the wisdom of handling complex diversity. A sign of ongoing victory is the emergence of the first black president, Barack Obama. They have an intentional immigrant system that sells “the American dream” – You can be, do or have anything regardless of your race, language, sex or religion.
Our national chaos is caused by poverty and bad governance, not by our religion or ethnic diversity. The Igbos are good in business, The Hausas are known for agriculture, the Yorubas values education, and so on… all these are what makes us a great nation, we need each other, thereby, the reason we still stand.

REFERENCES:
Dr. David Ogula: DIFFERENT LOOK AT ETHNIC DIVERSITY IN NIGERIA
olakunleorisanyablog.com
Religious Diversity and National Integration in Nigeria: Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, ISSN (Paper) 2224-5766, ISSN (Online) 2225-0484 (Online), Vol.4, No.25, 2014, www.iiste.org



WORD COUNT: 959

To the audience read and comment.



Thanks.

ON THE PRESENTATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN.

First, it is trite that commendations should accrue to such effort, especially noting the dwindling interest in intellectual tasks. The debater did show that the beautiful ones are indeed born, they only need be discovered.

That said, beyond the lenses of sentiment that I was graduated by the same Institution, I think that the debater for the University of Ilorin need do a lot on his debating skills and understanding of the audience. In written words, emotions can be seen, tones can be inferred, only if the writer understands the gimmicks. Also, drop the 'ALL PROTOCOLS DULY OBSERVED' thing. It is archaic. Seasoned speakers know it. You may not earn murmurs for saying it in public, but in the face of skilled public speakers, you will be one point down. Instead, if we have the President, the CJN, the Senate President and all governors present somewhere, do say:

Mr. President, the Senate President, my Lord, the CJN, distinguished gentlemen and guests. Instead of the protocol thing.

The presenter erred on the part of simplicity of language and diction. Especially in his first paragraph and some subsequent ones. Is there really a need to say 'A GREAT CONFLAGRATION IS ENGULFING MY TERRITORIAL EDIFICE' when you can simply say 'MY BIG HOUSE IS ON FIRE?' I found it rather unconventional with the modern oratory trend to seek to impress by big words.

Also, the debater erred on the aspect of tenses and certain grammatical principles. I observed errors like 'Wale and Sade writes in French' instead of 'WRITE.'

In conclusion, his points were good, but not the best. I see the points crumbling if he is to face a deft debater who could reduce them into mere academic dust. However, he sure deserves the commendation for the great effort and task.

...

ON THE FIRST DEBATER FROM FUNNAB

I must commend your mentally tasking and persuasive application of words. Reading through your position did show that you know your salt and onion.

Nevertheless, I discovered a few grammatical errors here and there- tenses, punctuations e.g 'The Yorubas VALUES education' et al. Also, you identified salient points which you left to waste due to laziness. You did not marshal them to the understanding of people- leaving us to suppose. One of the greatest qualities of a debater is the ability to explain technical information to nontechnical individuals. You did not do well on that. It is also becoming unbecoming that like your counterpart from the university of Ilorin, captivating aphorisms, great analogies and deft oratory lines are missing in your work. Things like that are the weapon that can make you stand before a South African audience to speak in support of Apartheid policy without getting stoned.'

In conclusion, you were great and I can relate based on your presentation.

For the sake of time, I shall stop here.

I trust our amiable judges are very much around.



Jarus
Caracta

keep them coming...

Nice piece from the debaters

*grabs the mic*


let me officially welcome you to the second edition of NAIRALAND INTERSCHOOL DEBATE.....


The first edition is now erstwhile yes it is , all plaudit, acclamation and adoration to God for the megahit of the first edition, and also to our personage Judges and audience..... and here we go with the SECOND CHAPTER OF this esteemed interschool online debate i hope you find it more poignant, savory, piquant and educative.... Relax and read enthralling, bedazzle and spellbind write up from our portentous, stupendous and astounding contestant ... it's our relish to welcome you to the SECOND edition of the NAIRALAND INTERSCHOOL DEBATE. For those who have not been following, you may go through the history here:
https://www.nairaland.com/1851738/nairaland-interschool-debate-2013-2014
*grabs popcorn with smoov*



*drops mic*

Judge of Judges takin a sit.

Meanwhile, earlier in the year....

All is good for our comradeship

baybeeboi:
judge of Judges takin a sit

hmmmmmm.

Kileleyi?

Oya let it begin...

Grabs a cup of garri

Spread Mat

#teamUnilorin

Observing

Wait o, fynestboi, is there a price for the winner?

IF YOU DONT WANNA READ THROUGH THE ESSAY YOU CAN glob comment on the topic




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FUNAAB...... Greatest FUNAABITES I hail o