Secondary Schools Debate In Lagos State As Felabration Opens

Student from secondary schools in Lagos State debated on the theme, “Should State Police be introduced in Nigeria?” as part of the celebrations to mark the 80th posthumous birthday of Nigerian musical icon, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

The debate, which took place at the Freedom Park in Lagos, was in respect to the life and time of the Afrobeat legend, which is always celebrated in an annual music festival.

Felabration was conceived in 1998 by Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti in memory and celebration of her father, Fela.

No fewer than 10 public and private secondary schools across Lagos participated in the debate.

Schools that participated in the debate, include, Vivian Fowler Memorial College, Rainbow College, Baptist Academy, Epe Girls Senior Secondary School, and Herbert Macauley Senior Girls High School.

Others are Ajara Senior Grammar School, Ejigbo Senior High School, Ipakodo Senior Grammar School, Aunty Ayo International School, and Dr Lucas Memorial Senior School, all based in Lagos.

Rainbow College came first in the debate.

According to Yeni, the debate was to encourage intellectualism among young minds. She said Fela had his intellectual side and he believed so much in debates.

She further stated that she wanted Felabration to stand the test of time so that her father’s message will not die.

Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, was present at the event, advised the students to differentiate between rhetorics and politics.

According to him, whoever wants to go into politics should be prepared for the worst.