Lagos Business School (LBS) chapter of the Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) society held its inaugural debate competition on June 23, 2018, at the Honeywell Auditorium on the school’s premises. The debate topic was ‘Is the Nigerian Agricultural sector ready to be digitally transformed?’ and it centred on the fundamental issues of Nigeria’s economy and future.
The Full-time MBA 16 Class hosted this debate in line with the objectives of the BGS society, this debate aimed at encouraging and honouring academic achievements in the study of business, fostering personal and professional excellence.
The event featured a presentation of the Faculty of the Year award to the faculty member who championed LBS and BGS values of honour, wisdom and service. Dr Yetunde Anibaba and Dr Emenalo Chukwunonye were joint recipients of the award.
The debate panelist included John Obaro, MD/CEO of SystemSpecs and Adebusoye Ayodeji, Vice President, Sahel Capital Agribusiness Managers Limited, while Prof Ajai Olawale, a professor of the legal, social and political environment of business at LBS moderated the proceedings.
The criteria for winning was based on the debater’s ability to: directly address the topic, clearly, explain their position, present a convincing case with specific evidence, address opponents weaknesses and respond directly to the other side’s critique.
Members of the proposition presented compelling points; they opined that “Nigeria’s illiteracy level is more than half the total population. To have a digitally transformed nation, you must have an educated populace. Digital transformation comes at a cost. Resources to make this possible will come either by borrowing or taxation which is bad for an economy like ours.” The comment received mixed reactions from the audience.
Members of the opposition presented counter arguments where they stated that literacy goes beyond having a formal education and that large mobile phone penetration with an uneducated populace in less than a decade shows that the agricultural sector should be digitally transformed.
Olaoye Olugbenga won the keenly debated topic due to his ability to communicate the overall objectives of his views concisely and effectively as well as dealing with questions raised by the opposing team.
The MBA Director, Dr Uzo Uchenna, stated that “the inaugural debate was in line with the school’s vision of developing responsible leaders, the debate will become a tradition of LBS which will continually stimulate the minds of students who will discuss and proffer solutions to African problems.”
The event provided students and attendees with a platform to engage in quality networking with leaders across various industries such as; Skills Development Manager, GE West Africa Global Growth and Operations, Oluwayemisi Fajemidagba; Regional Sales Director West Africa – Applications Cluster Leader, Oracle, Oludare Ogunlade and more.
