Olaoluwa Bayonle Emmanuel, more popularly known as Mr. Observer finally emerged winner at the just concluded ultimate interpreter challenge hosted by Seams Consult.
The contest which began early in March reached its peak on Saturday 20th March at the Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo.
Narrating the intention behind the contest, Mr. James Samuel, the organizer said, “the contest aims at improving Sign Language interpretation services in Nigeria while raising awareness on the Deaf community and her unique language.”
Stressing further, James remarked, “the challenge will serve as an opportunity for both sign language users and non-users to develop passion towards learning and mastering the language. Additionally, the contest tagged ‘advocacy challenge’ will also address different mistakes made by practitioners in the profession”.
The competition kicked off with 61 contestants in the first round. From there, 36 moved into the second round while 13 qualified for the grand finale.
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At the end of the challenge, Mr. Observer emerged overall winner with Ms. Bilesanmi Dorcas as runner-up. Akintayo Ayokunnu came in 3rd place.
Reacting on the award, Mr. Observer dedicated the win to everyone who participated in the advocacy contest.
He said “you are all heroes and heroines. It wouldn’t have been possible without you all. I have personally loved to expand my coast, reach more people, promote sign language the more, enlighten the general public and make our society inclusive enough for every Deaf person and other disabled clusters”
In his closing remarks, Samuel thanked everyone and extended congratulations to all contestants, saying that they are all winners and no one is a loser.
This he said to encourage those who won no prize. He advised them not to be disappointed as that isn’t the end of the world.