Viewers laud The Debaters, wants secondary school participation

For many Nigerians, it is a clear departure from the myriad of music reality TV shows and it is more engaging, more intellectually rewarding and has the capability of impacting positively on Nigeria compared to the music reality shows. A cross section of viewers are excited about its values and hope other organisations engage in […]

For many Nigerians, it is a clear departure from the myriad of music reality TV shows and it is more engaging, more intellectually rewarding and has the capability of impacting positively on Nigeria compared to the music reality shows.

A cross section of viewers are excited about its values and hope other organisations engage in concepts that would add value to Nigerians rather than concentrates on shows that would only make their brands more visible.

Atume Paul simply describes it as “simply phenomenal, excellent in diction, sound argument, and educative. I keep gambolling like a calf released from the stall in anticipation of the next one. I wish it could be every week of the year,” he said.

Abdulazeez Abdul Wahab said it could pass as “the best television programme of the year if not the decade, this is because, it is explicitly beneficial for not Nigerians alone, but for the world at large.”

As the show gets hotter, a viewer who wouldn’t want his name mentioned cautioned that evictions and probations should be strictly by merit.  “We are afraid the Nigerian factor might set in.”

But the show isn’t absolutely decided by the judges, the viewers have a say with their votes.

Mr. Abu Momoh would rather the show extends to secondary school students rather than limit it to undergraduates. “I would prefer it at the secondary school level too,” he noted.

At the start of the 2010 competition, fourteen young and vibrant ladies and gentlemen; Abiodun Okunrinboye, Abiodun Salami, Ajibola Oluwaseun, Arit Okpo, Chinedu Chidi, Ene Adobonu, Izin Akioya, Ikenna Onyekwena, Ibipo Salami, Kutu Ameji, Olumide Gbadebo, Omoaholo Omohakalen, Olufemi Adelayo, Rachael Azubike made it to the Talk Academy.

The Judges – Richie Dayo Johnson, Karen Aribisala and Remi Abere are on the lookout for coordination, speaking prowess amongst other criteria. The firm of Alexander Forbes serve as the Verifiers of the results of the show to ensure the transparency and integrity of the entire judging process.

After several weeks talking on issues from the economy, to polices, politics, history and other incisive issues, only six talk mates are still talking. They are Arit Okpo, Olufemi Adelayo, Rachael Azubuike, Olumide Adetoro Gbadebo, Ajibola Ibaru Oluwaseun, and Chinedu Chidi.

But who  will talk and become “The Debater of the year 2010” and drive home the Brand New Toyota Rav 4 with some N3.5 million cash prize?