A non-governmental organization, Speak Forward Foundation has trained and empowered over 50 young Nigerians on public speaking and effective communication skills.
Speaking at the event’s grand finale, which took place on Saturday at Abuja Continental Hotel, Federal Capital Territory, an entrepreneur and founder of the NGO, Adeniyi Bankole, disclosed that the aims of the programme is to shift the focus of the youth from digital distractions to the core skills of public speaking, effective communication and essential for leadership success.
He emphasized that the programme will go a long way in enhancing the communication skills of young Nigerians.
Reflecting on his school days, the renowned entrepreneur highlighted the importance of press clubs, literary societies and debating clubs in developing public speaking skills.
Bankole, who pledged his commitment to bridging the gap in public speaking skills among the youth, encouraged schools to revive the initiative.
Addressing the participants, the convener urged them to focus and pursue their dreams regardless of obstacles.
Encouraging the youth to master persuasive and public speaking, he emphasized the limitless potential of human beings and the importance of communication and personal expression in self-discovery.
Assuring his commitment to make the program an annual event to nurture more public speakers in Nigeria, Bankole expressed the Speak Forward project attracted over 200 applicants, with 15 finalists competing at the grand finale.
Announcing the winner of the competition, Zenim Surgwak, who is the Chief Judge, announced Kingsley Ekpenyong from Cross River State as the overall winner, while Aliyu Suleiman from Kaduna State emerged the first runner-up and Sally Chidiebere Wilson from Anambra State came third.
In his goodwill message, the winner of the competition, Kingsley Ekpenyong, attributed his victory to his blend of humor, storytelling and poetry.
Ekpenyong, who is a poet and public speaker, advised his peers to pursue their passions with dedication and continuous learning.
In their separate goodwill messages, the first and second runner-ups, Aliyu Suleiman and Sally Chidiebere Wilson, expressed gratitude to the founder of Speak Forward, Adeniyi Bankole for the opportunity.
They urged young Nigerians to reject negativity about Africa and work towards its development.
Stressing the importance of education as a transformative tool, the duos charged youths in the country to persevere and continue to develop their public speaking skills.
