Ayeni Otito Jesu, the President of the University of Ibadan Literary and Debating Society and the organizer of the biggest debating competition in Sub Saharan Africa shared with Oyo Mind, basic features, the highly publicized and restructured edition of the competition which will start today, 29th September 2021.
While emphasizing the rationale behind “Jaw War”, Otito Jesu explained that, “it is to engage students of the University of Ibadan to debate on national and international issues surrounding humanity, politics, etc., and how we can proffer our two cents worth solutions to these problems. It has existed for a while, and this is the seventh year since it’s resuscitation”.
Answering the question, “has Jaw War achieved its purpose”, he explained that, “Well, It is achieving its purposes, we’ve done a very good job, although, there is still more to be done. Jaw War has made its mark, it is the largest public speaking competition in West Africa, the recognition it has earned and the engaging other Institutions of learning is such a good indicator”.
Speaking on the new pattern of events in this year competition, Otito Jesu explained, “We see the need to expand the frontiers of Jaw War beyond the University of Ibadan, Jaw war is the biggest event in Universities in Nigeria, it is important for us to include other Institutions in Nigeria before being a Continental event”.
While speaking on the preparation for the event, the and President said, “There is the provision of the website, Organizations of Bootcamps for at least 200 speakers on the use of fact and research methods, etc.
On Jaw War maintaining its credibility, the President explained that, “we have alumni members whose impacts are felt, it has over time added to members’ skillsets such as Communication and listening skills, writing skills and also affect the community at large positively.
Otito Jesu, while speaking to Oyo Mind on the management of the University of Ibadan Literary and Debating Society, he said “It has not been easy, although, I’ve served as the Public Relations officer of the society, so, I understand how things are done”.
While addressing the newly restructured order of events to be expected in this year’s edition of Jaw War, he said, “there are many things that have been done, if anything has helped me, it is about brilliance, hardworking, setting standards, and breaking records”.
“I am delighted that, it was during my presidency that Jaw War received its biggest recognition, I’m highly optimistic, that the next president will be able to maintain this credibility and standard sets.
On his personal and academic life, Ayeni Otito Jesu explained that ‘not really, I have the natural ability to combine many things, however, it affected some of my personal, social and academic activities and I balanced it, mostly when I think of, I am first a student before a president”.
In his parting words for participants and audience, Otito Jesu said, “Look out for the series of events we are rolling out and it’s a great learning avenue for both participants and audience.
