lasuconscience
The eighth edition of LISTEN, the flagship storytelling event organised by the LASU Debate Society (LSUDS), was held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Lagos State University, Ojo. The event, themed “Momentum,” drew an audience of over 7,000 participants, both physically and online, and featured a lineup of speakers who shared stories and perspectives centred on personal growth, consistency, and professional development.
LISTEN is an established annual event within the university, convened by LSUDS as part of its broader mandate to promote public speaking, storytelling, and communication excellence. Over the years, it has attracted a diverse range of speakers who engage the university community through curated experiences and impactful narratives.
Opening the event, the General Secretary of LSUDS, Sewedo Agosu, highlighted the society’s vision beyond debating, emphasising its commitment to grooming students in public speaking and leadership. She described the society as “a family… not by blood, but by shared growth and purpose.” Similarly, the Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Gift Okunhmode, reflected on her journey from volunteer to leader, while the President of LSUDS, Asikaburu Miracle, spoke on her growth within the society and the value of community in shaping excellence.
The 2026 edition featured diverse speakers who approached the theme from different angles. Award-winning chess master Tunde Onakoya shared his journey from humble beginnings in Ikorodu to becoming a chess champion, emphasising how discovering chess gave his life direction and now fuels his mission to empower children in underserved communities.
Actress and TV host Ariyiike Dimples spoke on resilience and self-awareness, stressing that true momentum comes from understanding one’s “why,” especially in moments of uncertainty. Fashion and PR guru Christopher Bassey (Topher) highlighted adaptability, recounting his shift from studying Computer Science under pressure to building a career in fashion and public relations, and encouraging students to stay prepared for unexpected opportunities.
Reality star Faith Adewale spoke on entrepreneurship and impact, reflecting on his journey of building ventures while giving back to society. Dr Chizitere Daniel emphasised the importance of starting and continuing even without having everything figured out, urging students to trust the process of growth. Writer Victor Oba reinforced the discipline required for success, warning against selective effort and encouraging consistency in both small and significant actions.
Adding a creative and reflective dimension, poet Deborah Johnson (The Global Poet) charged the audience to “be honest, be brave, and be audacious,” encouraging authenticity in the pursuit of dreams. Her message was complemented by engaging performances, including spoken word, live music, moderated audience interactions, and a stage magic performance by Magic Whizz, all of which enriched the storytelling experience.
LISTEN VIII was delivered through a structured planning process by the LSUDS Executives and the LISTEN VIII Planning Committee, reinforcing its place as a key event within the society’s calendar of student-focused initiatives.
Beyond the stage, the event left attendees with a resonant message: growth requires movement. Through stories of courage, resilience, and persistence, LISTEN VIII underscored that momentum is not about perfection, but about taking intentional steps forward—even in uncertainty. For many students, it was not just an event, but a defining moment.
Oluwatimilehin Ojo, Correspondent, LASU Conscience
