₦airaland Forum

Ordinarily, I would not ask any question, considering the crop of skilled debaters who already did most of the tasks. Nonetheless, may I ask Miss Miracy where she got the misconception that all the Nigerian universities are funded by the Federal government and State governments?

Covenant? Bowen? Ajayi Crowther? Babcock? I think that you leave me wondering if I could believe any of your words, since such a misleading assertion came from you

Grammatical errors- spelling, punctuation, tenses and all are just too much. I think that speakers need edit their works properly. It was not exclusive to any speaker. All erred in that aspect.

There were also little or no oratory prowess displayed. You should embellish your research with great aphorisms, analogies and well-placed rhetorics.

All the same, I commend your zeal to come out. I acknowledge your erudition, though below par. Yet, it was not bad. My score sheet would be made available to the organisers in due course. I submit!

suwailad:
Ifeduba or what you call yourself, you still have a lot to learn being a political scientist. I think you have no qualification for that, just that you have access to the internet so you can make noise like everyone else. That does not make you a political analyst, political analysts is an actual profession and not an hubby.

Political analysts take their time to access information in depth before making their analysis and not beer parlor suggestions. By the way, did you even give a solution on how to combat boko haram once and for all? But noise makers like you, the ever annoying arm chair critics are quick to judge any postulations put forth that will defeat these fools once and for all, but you guys don't have the brilliancy to come up with your solution to counter the President's own. We have had enough of this folly, and thank God it died with jonathan. So its time to shut up and start making sense not showing your worthless hobby and what it means not to be a political analyst. And your picture is eating people's bandwidth, it is not necessary, if you want to be in the limelight, start trekking for whatever hideous reasons there is.

For this, I owe you a follow. Not for the hard knocks you have the unbaked and unrefined political analyst, but for the critical observation that he goofed for not tabling any solution and for giving himself a medal in political analysis. I follow brains. You are highly cerebral.

With profound respect to the Chairman, the Coordinators, Coordinator in charge, fellow Judge, distinguished debaters and the audience, I am Hidentity.

I announce my appearance as a Co-judge.

All I can do right now is laugh. It is really a funny post. Though, there are salient issues here and there, with faults too. But I am swayed by the humour.

After considering the arguments of both sides, here are my ratings:

POLYTECHNIC OF IBADAN

Presentation: 3/5
Logic of argument: 3/5
Strength of facts, examples, cases: 2/5
Persuasiveness: 3/5
Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of subject: 2/5

TOTAL: 13/25

LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY

Presentation: 3/5
Logic of argument: 2/5
Strength of facts, examples, cases: 3/5
Persuasiveness: 2/5
Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of subject: 4/5

TOTAL: 14/ 25

WINNER: LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY.

NOTE: THE SECOND JUDGE WILL ALSO RATE THE PRESENTATION. THIS RESULT IS INCONCLUSIVE.

Thanks.

ON THE PRESENTER FROM LASU

In the midst of the dwindling urge for intellectual food have we seen this robust and well researched work. I cannot but credit. However, you were so engrossed in making this work academic that you forgot that too much of it do not hold water here. Touches of oratory lines and analogy would have done. I have no doubt that most people have reservations on that ground.

Also, except on a careful perusal, you went all preaching morality. My question and point of response if I were your opponent is- the definition of morality is subjective. So dynamic that if 3 people are slapped, the reaction based on their moral inclination would differ. So, is it more moral to keep a child of rape than to abort it?

In addition, an average reader may not be too sure of your stand. However, you did a great job and displayed the required knowledge of the topic. I say well done. I met LASU students in a couple of debates back then- they were blazing fire with the microphone and this further reveals that they are good on every platform. Score would be made known at night.

ON THE REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE POLYTECHNIC OF IBADAN

First, I think that all those creating a line of divide between universities and polytechnics should learn here. This presentation is amazing, though, not without some errors. After all, no man is perfect.

Although, the presenter made a few spelling errors like writing 'as' for 'has', but they are mere technicalities, though not negligible, but do not go to the root of the topic. Parents should also be in the plural in the context used and not singular. Rid and not ride. Also 'abortion is not murder or abortion is no murder,' not 'abortion is not a murder.'

All these observed, I hold that after considering all the debate threads, the POLYTECHNIC OF IBADAN is among the very few that discussed the issue to the satisfaction of readers. Facts, deft analysis, apt rhetorics and careful word choice.

On this, the era of thinking that the polytechnic is inferior to the university should be made to lie and well buried. It is not about where you are, but what you are doing there. Sleeping in the garage does not make anyone a car. You can be in the university and still lack the oratory erudition of this presenter. Well done my friend. I will come up with my scores later in the night.

ON THE PRESENTER FROM ABU

Without a scintilla of doubt, I see your use of English as the best so far. I monitored your tenses carefully. But then, don't 'call decamping as political prostitution,' 'see decamping as political prostitution' or 'call it political prostitution'.

Also, mind the typographical error that shaped the destiny of 'his' to 'hid'. Do not limit the potential of your work by the use of acronym. How do you expect someone reading from India or Spain to know what LP or PDP is? Write in full. You are no local champion. You erred on the part of punctuation too e.g Also the people... It should be 'also, the people...'

Drop that habit of humming! You are not a bird. What is 'hmmmm' in a formal writing? I love the Sahara desert analogy. I give it to you dear.

Let me stop here for others to comment.

ON THE FIRST PRESENTER FROM OAU

I must commend your deft oratory skills and impressive diction. Though, there were a few errors, but not so fundamental. I do have my doubt as to whether or not the expression 'I SPEAK FOR THE TOPIC' is a right one. Like who speaks for a topic? I may be wrong anyway.

Also, the typographical error that turned 'understanding' to 'undersanding' need be watched. Steven R. Covey did say that 'a SMALL leak can sink a great ship. I once got knocked out by (0.5) in a debate and I know how it feels. Mind your tenses and the verb too. If the citizens EXPECT, not EXPECTS.

I also resent tautology or doubling of words with the same effect such as 'SO, THEREFORE'. Why not So,... or THEREFORE,...? 'It is being said' could also be 'it is said'. The 'being' in that sentence is a waste of space.


In conclusion, with your presentation, you reflected that OAU is no second class university in Nigeria. Kudos!

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.

...

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.

VictoriaBee:
Well, the bashing is mainly on social medias by cowards.

In reality, no one dares confront her to talk rubbish.
Like someone rightly opined, internet has really given egoistic men an avenue to display their male-chauvinism.

In the real life, those accomplished ladies don't have time for online kids as they can't even be given an opportunity to converse face-to-face.

I agree with you friend. Thanks for the well thought out comment. Dear, Social media not medias, I know it was a typo.

Good afternoon friends. How is camp? Mine is by June 2. Those posted to Oyo should enjoy it. The camp is in my home town. There are places to explore if you have the time I.e Manor house, Ikere dam etc.

Where are the Nassarawa team members?

Aitee1:
Go find a job and get busy, stop carrying women matter for head like gala sellers abi you wan take over buygala talent

Thanks for this intellectually disturbing remark. I got a job- a promising one. Don't believe that the internet is a facade for idle people and jobless ones to rant. I did ignore your initial insult to reply you well, but now, is your type fit for marriage? Considering that you listen ONLY to reply and that you can't be diplomatic for once. Ignoring your age and whatever.

I want to believe that you are not dyslexic, especially knowing that a lady just came into the scenario and the topic itself talks about marriage and individuals.

Aitee1:
She decides to marry early wahala she decides to wait till God knows when still wahala wetin una want us to do sef



Smh...humans a very highly insatiable creatures

Friend, you still don't get my point. If she has clearly defined goals even @ 18, she can marry, but my concern is that she did not even talk about learning something or working. May I ask you, is there no difference between marrying early and marrying without goals or self worth? I am against the second. You get me now?

Even if at 30, she talks like this, I'll still think that she is not in the right mindset for marriage, but if at 18, she has dreams and her own personal goals, why not? Age should not push anyone to marriage.

importexpert:
Op are u married? How old are u?

No, I am not. Above 22, below 25.

I met this old friend of mine a couple of days back. She was graduated by the University last year. A very sound lady in my age range 21 to 25. Then this discussion came up.

Me: I need not ask you how you've been. It is apparent from your look

Miss X: (smiles) I believe you meant to flatter with that. All the same thank you Mr.

Me: So, it is all over. The chase for certificate and all. What is the way forward now?

Miss X: Way forward? You mean like Masters or what?

Me: Maybe. But I'm talking about your dream.

Miss X: hmmmmm. Getting married to my dream man.

Me: (a bit disturbed but hid it) and? I mean your own dream.

Miss X: And what? I said marriage

Me: Hmmmm. That is a nice one (deep inside me 'this lady has no goal)

I think that marrying someone should not be anyone's ultimate goal... You should be able to define a clear goal for yourself and on your own.

NOTE: I am not saying marriage should not be a goal, but I think that it is not proper if one's entire life seems to lean on marriage. I mean who goes about leaving his/her self worth and the heights he/she can reach? Everybody should be able to stand alone and be an achiever in or outside marriage.

Marriage becomes a problem when parties are not in the right mindset and responsible enough for it. Making it a core priority without working on one's goals could be irresponsible. Opinions?

oluamid:
Wrong. Satchet is spelled "Sachet" and it is pronounced "sashei" and not "sakit". Well, except you mean "circuit" which is closer in pronunciation to "sakit".


A sachet /ˈsæʃeɪ/ is a small cloth scented bag filled with herbs, potpourri, or aromatic ingredients.

#JustSaying

Not circuit friend, I did not write the actual transcription anyway. But I used an electronic dictionary that pronounced it as such. Used to pronounce it as you did before now. I think that we both need to research a bit more. Thanks for being so civil in your approach.

oluamid:
Wrong. Satchet is spelled "Sachet" and it is pronounced "sashei" and not "sakit". Well, except you mean "circuit" which is closer in pronunciation to "sakit".


A sachet /ˈsæʃeɪ/ is a small cloth scented bag filled with herbs, potpourri, or aromatic ingredients.

#JustSaying

Not circuit friend, I did not write the actually transcription anyway. But I used an electronic dictionary that pronounced it as such. Used to pronounce it as you did before now. I think that we both need to research a bit more. Thanks for being so civil in your approach.

CountDracula:
I'm guessin ure mentionin these names so ur topic wil get to front page... It will NEVER get there!

Yes, you are very right. I did not care if the initial ones do. But I think that people can learn from this. Thanks for being so observant, I wish you were like this to the issues that affect your life the most.

I came across this intellectually stimulating story a couple of days back during a research process. Whether is fiction or not, I am not so sure. However, I hold that it does not affect the message:

A frustrated man had gone to the pub (beer parlour) to cast all his worries away with bottles of beer. After several hours of numbing his senses with alcohol, the man now drunken, became raucous that the bartender was forced to evict him so as not to scare away other patrons. The man was so angered by the action of the bartender that after the door was shut on him, he unzipped his fly and sprayed the door with his urine, which he called ‘toxic streams’. He then turned around and did the unspeakable – he vilified the Crown. Picking up a stick, he wrote in the sand by the roadside the following words in bold letters for any who cared to read: CURSED BE THE QUEEN

Immediately, the constable who had been observing his show of shame pounced on him, cuffed him, pulled out his crime-scene tape and cordoned off the evidence of blasphemy, which he covered with a tarp and dragged the man to the police station. After a few days, the
man was charged to court and the magistrate who was bound to lean towards the Crown in the district was
assigned to hear the case. On that day, the courthouse was packed to the full with locals who had come to witness how the community nuisance was finally going to be put behind bars and they would again know what it felt like to have peace.

The counsel drafted from the District Attorney’s office to lead the prosecution was a decorated lawyer with a reputation for obtaining maximum sentences for all unlucky defendants he cross-examined in court. He had this icy look that was menacing enough to send a chill down the spine of the Devil himself. But on this day, his record was to be broken. Not because he didn’t do his work well (in fact by the time he was through dazzling all that was present, the man was sobbing like a baby) but because the defence counsel did a better job. While the prosecution had several lawyers, that more room had to be created for them from the observers’ seats, the defence had only one lawyer sitting lonely in his corner. When it was his time, the defence counsel arose and approached the sobbing man and gave him a handkerchief to dry his face. The whole room erupted with boos as the magistrate banged his gavel to quiet them. As the man dried his face he looked up and was shocked for this was his first meeting with his lawyer; it was the English teacher who taught him in elementary school, but had gone on to study law after the man left for high school. The lawyer straightened his tie, looked at the magistrate and said, “Your Lordship, my client did not have the time to finish his sentence before the constable jumped on him.” The room suddenly went dead silent as all eyes focused on the counsel. The magistrate removed his spectacles, cleaned it and replaced it to strain at the lawyer as if he was a gnat and then he said, “Counsel, I fear you are treading on slippery grounds, but do you care to explain?” “Gladly my Lord,” responded the lawyer, “If he had completed his sentence he would have ended it with a full stop. I know this so well, because I taught him the punctuation marks in elementary school. If only My Lord can be so benevolent to allow this man, who stands accused this day, to go back to the scene and complete what he was writing.”

At that moment, all eyes turned to the magistrate and all ears inclined to hear his words. “Alright then” he acquiesced after a few moments, “Two bailiffs shall accompany you and the defendant to the locus criminis (scene of the crime) so that he can finish his sentence and so that I can finish my sentencing too. This court is adjourned for thirty minutes.” Before he could finish his sentence the whole court emptied out as everyone rushed to the crime scene to see how the man would finish his writing. As the man walked to the scene in handcuffs and flanked by the bailiffs, his old teacher whispered some words into his ears; at first, consternation was written all over his face but it soon gave way to a confident smile as he trudged on towards his unfinished sentence. As the crowd pushed to have a look at the goings-on, the tarpaulin was pulled back and a stick given to the man to write, probably, the last sentence of his life. The man then looked at the counsel, who gave him a gentle nod and he bent down to carefully write in his most handsome handwriting the following letters: 'S ENEMIES.

“No, no”, was the noise that rent the crowd, for they knew their wish was going to be denied. Quickly, the bailiffs spirited the man away to court and locked the doors to protect him from the crowd. When the magistrate
reappeared he asked one of the bailiffs what the man had written and straightway his face fell. He could not sentence a man for cursing the queen’s enemies and so he struck out the case.

Succinct and deep. The oral English aspect worries me the most. Just yesterday, I discovered that 'Satchet' is pronounced 'SaKit'. All is well.

MODIFIED: The electronic dictionary checked was wrong. It is not pronounced 'sakit'. Thanks

There is something about actions, they can be chosen. There is something about actions taken, they birth reaction(s). There is something about reactions, they can't be chosen. In a simple language, why we can choose our action, we cannot choose the reaction.

In the history of Nigeria, it is certain that the 2015 General election would not be forgotten in a moment. While this assertion may be bought by every Nigerian, the reason may differ in the opinion of individuals. For the purpose of simplifying this analysis, individuals with a dogged determination to achieve their goals may see it as a year that unrelenting determination paid off for the retired General. For some, it was a year that paved way for the populace to speak through the ballot. In some quarters, it is the year of the emergence of their democratic hero- President Jonathan. For the last, reservations abound. I object to an attempt at making Jonathan a hero for the purpose of a soft landing. I don't know about America, but in Nigeria, no tenant becomes a hero by vacating the apartment at the expiration of his rent. However, it is a sheer waste of emotion to observe a minute of silence for a deceased whose penchant for noise while alive is insatiable.

Personally, I do not have anything against the person of President Jonathan. In fact, I like to see sons and daughters of fishermen, taxi drivers, petty traders and others on that divide of the struggle attaining the incredible heights. Nevertheless, I take offence when attaining that height drives them stupour. I also do not have anything for General Buhari, I only shared the sentiment that things must not continue in the Jonathan's way. I waited for a public event that would demand that I talk about the President of Nigeria for the whole of 2014, but I could not attend any that I was invited for. I was waiting to embarrass President Jonathan because he has embarrassed long-suffering Nigerians and Nigeria. I was waiting to be asked questions like 'who is the President of Nigeria?' or maybe to make a remark about the President of Nigeria. In my crazy moment, I would have replied that Nigeria do not have a President. To be diplomatic, but to the consternation of many, I would have replied that I do not know the President of Nigeria. I could say that anywhere, even on a quiz floor. I know nations with leaders and none is governed like ours. I do not know shadow leaders, I know leaders who are strong-willed to act irrespective of whose ox will be gored.

Like you, a couple of events that made the moment have been archived in a bid to take a hint from life. Beyond the happiness for Jonathan's loss and the fear of Buhari's possible 'tsunamic' approach to corruption, I have picked an event in the whole politicking drama- The Orubebe Saga. It does deserve a second examination after the whole dust has gone down.

Lately, I stopped concerning myself with what people do. I try to understand their reason(s) and purpose(s). In the beauty of the time-honoured aphorism in Yoruba, the myth of the dragonfly dancing on the water surface comes to mind. For the purpose of this forensic work, elder Orubebe is the dragonfly here. It is believed that attempts to allay the fear of stream goers by making the dragonfly vacate was futile. Then, after consulting the oracle, it dawned on the villagers that the dragonfly's dance of humour was not without the motivation of an unrelenting drummer deep down in the stream. In short, elder Orubebe's public display had the blessing of one or two political drummers. The question here- did elder Orubebe pause to consider his status before doing such a dirty act without gloves? I mean this is someone's father. He is someone's husband. He is an elder in a community, this is the 21st century, and we have the media everywhere!

In the execution of his assignment, elder Orubebe made a lot of inflammatory statements. To elder Orubebe, Jega was compromised, he was partial, he was used. All those did not really matter, especially when you are used to the types of statements made by Lagos bus conductors. The most sensitive statement and most crucial moment was when elder Orubebe requested Jega to 'go and reply him (Orubebe) from his office.' Jega could reply Orubebe, but it must not be from his office. Replying from his office would have been the electoral error of the millennium. Here is the reason, there is a possibility that if Jega had left the ICC for his office, the election would have been rendered inconclusive by machineries 'possibly' put in place. By then, Jega would be away from our curious glares. For 'security' purpose, he could have been prevented from continuing the process. In fact, it might take him till today to reply people like elder Orubebe because it is easy to wake a sleeping person but not a person feigning sleep.

Few days later, elder Orubebe discovered the damage his public conduct did to the Orubebe's family. He saw himself being celebrated as the celebrity of official irresponsibility. Then, he issued a statement that could best be described as a campaign after an election. In the statement, elder Orubebe massaged his own tiny ego. He reminded us of his role in the Niger-Delta peace discourse. He told those of us that are not aware, that he is an elder in his church. Then, someone beside me asked 'what more could rebrand elder Orubebe if he could forget his political status and religious one to disrupt a legal process?' For this phase, no matter what the revered elder did, the election saga would always come to mind when the name Orubebe is mentioned. Not many was there when he went to the creek, not many knew him as a minister, not many knew him as an elder in the church, but everybody is aware that he is deft at disrupting due processes and sitting on the floor.

Through Jega, the world has learnt that proper management of people won't always make an angry action trigger an outrageous reaction. For Jega, elder Orubebe's display was an avenue for him to exhibit his classy professorial and professional ethics. Indeed, Jega is an impressive revelation of the 21st century! Jega's composure was epic, it should be made a compulsory course in our educational institution. It made the voice of the town crier merely tangential to the process at hand.

His response was legendary and accurate. I cannot but admit that he is a different breed of Nigerian, far distinct from an ordinary one time-minister struggling for a summary show in the arena of relevance. The name Jega should become a word in every language which could be used to describe an exceptional display of intelligence and composure in the midst of troubles sponsored by the power that be.

Summer1:
Its very obvious you find it difficult to understand..yea I'm an Igbo girl and I'm verrrrry proud of my language..but we all know that our official language here in Nigeria is English language,before u start toasting a girl and you don't knw where she comes from,don't u use English? Its that first impression that I'm talking abt here. personally I need to know that u re good with English before speaking my native language with u

Toasting is ungrammatical dear. You mean 'wooing'. I do not belong to the bandwagon of those trying to pull you down, but please exhibit what you preach.

BoboYekini:
Dude, don't be silly. This is cyberspace, not 'Nigeria'.
And correct that shitt already.

I'm not deft at engaging in unproductive discourse. You should reserve your breath for idle talkers and aggressive thinkers. Your penchant for correction with a view to appearing classy should be on hold too. Intelligence is not advertised like a pair of Chinese slippers.

BoboYekini:
@Op, not to belabor the point, but it's 'A Eulogy'. Exceedingly grating on the nerves, such a basic 'typo'.

Thanks my brother. You are right, but I was not wrong to use 'an' too. I did observe that before posting. Check your spelling of 'belabor', I don't want you to appear like a critic who knows the way but can't drive the car. British English and spelling go in Nigeria.

ZionJay:
Uncle Sege,I can't laugh finish. Nice piece
Punch life for me ....the one who owns the heart is in Ile- Ife and sisi is in ona ife. Proud of you bro
Hon Zion!

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