BBI Convenes TeensSpeakOut as Teenagers Condemn Xenophobic Attack

The Brain Builders International — BBI, a non-governmental organisation that has been committed to the development and progress of young Nigerians, on Wednesday 20th November 2019, held her annual TeensSpeakOut at Fakunle Government Unity High School, Osogbo.

The event which held under the theme, “Let The Teenagers Contribute To National Development,” featured oratory contest and recognition of winners of the NGO’s essay competition.

No less than 26 public and private schools convened for the oratory contest and spoke on “Solving The Persistent Xenophobic Attacks: Sanction or Diplomacy As The Solution.”

The Executive Director of BBI, Mr. Abideen Olasupo, in his welcome address emphasised that the motive of organising the programme was to encourage young teenagers in contributing effectively to the issues of national interest from their tender age and to be better informed on the happenings in the country.

Acknowledging the presence of the participating schools, judges, pressmen, volunteers of BBI and the general public, he noted that, “there is no need to leave anyone behind, towards the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals — SDGs.”

Mr. Olasupo

The Chief Whip of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Tunde Olatunji, who was an honorary guest at the event, expressed his passion for BBI and appreciated the efforts being made promoting teenagers’ views issues of national interest.

Hon. Olatunji, who has landmark research and publications in the area of government policies, entrepreneurship, infrastructural and economic developments, added that the programme would boost the morale of the younger generation and instil the boldness and courage to take on the issues of life.

The event also featured winners of the essay competition: Ogbo Joanna of Ijesha High School, the winner; Salaudeen Ridwan of Onaopepo Islamic Model School, first runner-up up; and Rasheed Muzidat of Zakariyah Memorial College, the second runner-up.

A cross-section of participants at the event

The essay competition titled “The sea level is rising, wildfire is eating up the forest, the ozone layer is depleting, the earth is dying and industries are increasing: Time for selective blaming or collective action?” was adjudged by a team of judges which comprised Mr. Oladepo Sunday, Mr. Adewale Adediran, Mr. Rasheed Adebiyi, Mr. Gabriel Shola, Mr. Ismaheel Lateef and Mrs Damola Raphael.

In the oratory contest, Opatola Mujeebah of Islamic College, Osogbo, emerged the winner; Adejumo Farook of Onaopepo Islamic Model School, second; and Omotosho Ruth of Érin Community High School, Érin Osun, third.

Participants commended BBI for the memorable event and declared their reolsve to get involved actively towards pursuing and achieving the SDGs across all spheres.