The fifth edition of the Egba Dialect Debate and Choral Competition was held in Abeokuta on Thursday 8 June 2023. Egba-Owode Grammar School emerged first in the Egba debate category, followed by Abeokuta Girls Grammar School in second place and Oba Community High School in third place. Abeokuta Grammar School won the choral category with Alaba Lawson Royal College in second place and Nawaiurdeen Grammar School in third place.

The Egba Dialect Debate and Choral Competition is an annual event that encourages and promotes the Yoruba culture and tradition using Yoruba language and Egba dialect among secondary school students in the Ogun Senatorial District.
According to Senator Dr. Prince Lanre Tejuoso the theme for this year’s debate “Nigeria is ripe for a female president” was borne out of his desire to see more female inclusion in governance and to motivate Nigerians in Diaspora to emulate the event and replicate such for the promotion of the Yoruba Culture and language.

Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo commended Senator Prince Dr Lanre Tejuoso, the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos for organising the annual event that promotes Yoruba culture. Obasanjo pointed out that Nigerian women have leadership qualities and rights equal to their male counterparts and should actively participate in politics and aspire for the presidency. According to him, Nigeria is long overdue for a female presidency.

Ogun state Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who represented the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun praised the organisers for their efforts to revive and promote the Yoruba culture and language. Salako-Oyedele urged Yorubas in the diaspora to ensure that their children receive instruction in the Yoruba language, culture and traditions. She stressed the need for more women’s inclusion in the political space, noting that leaders must do more to advance the representation of women in governance.

Guests include Alake of Egbaland Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadegbo, represented by Chief Oluwole Odekunle Asoju Oba Of Egba land, Oba Dr Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, the Osile of Oke Ona Egba, Iyalode of Yorubaland Alaba Lawson represented by Prince Dimeji Kayode Adedeji, Chief Doja Adewolu Otun Balogun of Owu & Agoro of Egbaland, Ogun state council of Baales, Traditional council of Baales, former Ogun State speaker Hon. Suraj Ishola Adekunbu, Abiodun Fari-Arole MD OPIC and permanent secretary ministry of education, Mrs Bamidele Makinde.

Esther Alaribe
Women Radio 91.7
news@wfm917.com