By Ovat Abeng
The Faculty of Social Sciences Students Association (FOSSSA), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, in collaboration with Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation and Stagefidence International, has organized a Leadership and Public Speaking Symposium 3.0 to encouraged and promote public speaking among University undergraduate students in South East Nigeria.
It was gathered that the event which took place at the ASUU-UNIZIK Conference Hall in the University, on Monday, tagged: A Debate Like Competition To Promote Public Speaking, was geared towards inculcating the culture of public speaking and leadership in the students.
In his welcome address, the President of the Faculty of Social Sciences Students Association (FOSSSA),, Comrade Ezinwa Ifechukwu Promise, stated that good communication and public speaking skills are prerequisite to becoming a good leader.
Promise, who is also the convener of the programme, maintained that leadership is based on self-awareness and confidence it’s built overtime.
While appreciating the University Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone and the Founder of VCO Foundation, Mr. Valentine Chineto Ozigbo, for their efforts in making the event a memorable one, noted that the public speaking competition was attended by students across the South East region, comprises, Anambra Enugu Imo, Abia and Ebonyi States respectively.
In his remark, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Esimone, said self leadership is important in public speaking, hence, participants should invest in leading themselves, as fluency does not equate to intelligence.”
He advised that students should leverage on learning from others and imbibe the spirit of consistency.
“Studying and learning from others are inevitable tools to getting better at speaking whilst not downgrading the power of practice to increase expertise in public speaking.”
The VC also commended the sponsors of the programme, particularly, VCO and Stagefidence International,
In his brief speech, the Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Unizik, Prof Frank-collins Okafor, charged participants to leverage on education, experience and expertise as life is cumulative and knowledge that gives one an edge.
Also speaking the Founder of Stagefidence International, Angel Ekeh, said the “Oratory Symposium 3.0, is a platform where eloquence converges with ideas to witness the culmination of diligent efforts in fostering public speaking skills among students.
According to Ekeh, who was represented by the company’s Director, Miss Chisom Ukoha, ” Our theme for this symposium, “Leadership in the Digital Age: Addressing the Technological Transformation of Leadership,” is a testament to the evolving landscape of leadership in our dynamic era.
“In this age of rapid technological advancements, effective leadership requires not only traditional virtues but also a keen understanding of digital dynamics.
“As we delve into the intricacies of leadership in this digital epoch, let us recognize that our students are not merely participants but torchbearers of the future.
“The symposium serves as a crucible for their thoughts, a space where ideas are forged and perspectives refined.
“It is our collective responsibility to nurture these budding orators, empowering them to articulate their visions for leadership in the digital age.
“The partnership between Stagefidence Intl and the faculty of social science is a commitment to shaping articulate leaders who can navigate the complexities of our technologically driven world.
“We extend our gratitude to all participants, mentors, and sponsors who have contributed to making this event a reality,” Miss Ukoha added.
It was also gathered that ten students from the Universities across the region participated in the competition and Udemmadu Cornelius Ezechukwu of Chukwumemeka Odomegwu Ojukwu University, Faculty of Law, emerges the winner with HP laptop while Okoye Alfred Chidera from the Political Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Chukwu Dorcas Ugomma from the Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria Nsukka came second and third with #100,000 and High-Phone respectively.
The event was chaired by Chief Ugochukwu Okeke, represented by Dr. Chinedu Ekwealor.
