Mo Abudu, the hostess and originator of the hit TV talk-show “Moments with Mo”, the flagship programme of the Inspire Africa Project, is the creator of the new reality TV show: The Debaters.
Ever the pioneer, Mo’s dream of building and promoting a positive image for the entire African continent and leaving an abiding legacy for future generations through the transformation of the society has inspired her to create yet another ‘first’. ‘The Debaters” is designed to be another credible and effective media platform for showcasing the true greatness of Africa and her peoples.
As the originator of the Inspire Africa project, Mo’s primary focus and overriding preoccupation is to create/produce content for television that always meets the vision and mission of the Inspire Africa organization of ensuring that the content of their programmes will inspire, motivate and educate, while satisfying the viewer’s need to be entertained.
Although inspiring and motivating the entire African continent is Mo’s raison d’être in creating this show, it was critical that it would also have intrinsic entertainment value that would not only attract and engage viewers’ attention, but also keep them coming back for more. The aim of “The Debaters’ is to achieve all this, while also informing, educating and even influencing the society. The ultimate aim of this is to achieve the gradual positive transformation of the entire African continent and its image globally.
We have all seen what the ability to speak effectively and, indeed, what the possession of exceptional oratory skills can do. Just a while ago, we all watched Barack Obama literally talk his way into becoming the first African-American (emphasis on the ‘AFRICAN’) of the United States of America. This is strong proof that great things can come out of Africa! He achieved this seemingly impossible and overly ambitious dream by effectively and convincingly employing his enormous gift of oratory and debate. To all intents and purposes, Obama talked his way into becoming the most influential man / leader in the world today.
The art of debate is all about the ability to talk; to speak well. It’s about being able to talk knowledgeably, passionately, convincingly, purposefully, clearly and, above all, with sincerity. It’s all about being able to engage your audience by communicating your deep heart-felt beliefs/opinions and eliciting a positive response from them.
The idea of this show was also motivated by the strong belief that we need to build a new crop of future leaders both in Nigeria and the African continent. Leaders who do not only possess the requisite educational and social background, but who – more importantly – can actually consistently express themselves articulately, charismatically and inspiringly. This they are able to do because of their sincere passion for the things they believe in; their willingness to stand up for their beliefs and beyond that, to walk the talk!
‘The Debaters’ is for young people who can debate topical issues intelligently, logically, passionately, sincerely and with a real sense of drive and purpose. And, needless to say, each contestant must have a good command of the English language (grammar). These are just some of the factors that motivated the creation of this show.
During the past few years, Mo Abudu, the personable and engaging anchor and presenter of the popular talk show “Moments with Mo”, has become a household name not only in Nigeria, but throughout Africa. The show is regularly viewed by a wide range of audiences across the continent. Confident, purposeful, and extremely motivated, Mo has become a kind of crusader for accomplishment as the show’s oft repeated pay-off line indicates: If you can think it, you can do it!”
Through her Inspire Africa brand, she constantly and creatively challenges her audience to rise up and make a positive difference and change. Her ever confident “Yes I can!” attitude inspires others to stand up and be counted for what they believe in. |
