The Dominic Akinjide Fagbemi Foundation (DAFF) has renewed its sponsorship of the Ibarapa Debate Competition for the fifth consecutive year, committing N2 million to the initiative and an additional N500,000 cash prize for the overall winner of the eighth edition.
The foundation’s Chairman, Mr Dominic Akinjide Fagbemi, announced the renewed commitment on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, ahead of the competition scheduled for Saturday, January 2, 2027, at Femadex Royal Gardens Hotel, Malete, Idere, Ibarapa Central Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The sponsorship reinforces the foundation’s commitment to educational development and youth advancement, as well as its support for initiatives that recognise academic excellence and provide students with opportunities to demonstrate their intellectual abilities.
The annual competition, organised by Peoples Conscience, brings together secondary school students from the seven communities of Ibarapa Land to compete in debate and quiz contests designed to promote critical thinking, public speaking, research skills, academic excellence and healthy intellectual rivalry.
Speaking on the renewed sponsorship, Fagbemi commended the organisers for what he described as their consistent and deliberate efforts to advance education and promote unity across Ibarapa Land.
He said the competition had evolved beyond an academic contest into a platform for discovering talents, encouraging intellectual development and bringing young people together through education.
“We commend Peoples Conscience for its consistent and deliberate efforts towards promoting academic excellence in Ibarapa Land. Beyond the competition itself, the initiative provides a valuable platform for bringing our people together and strengthening the bonds of unity among our communities,” Fagbemi said.
According to him, the foundation’s decision to renew its sponsorship reflects the alignment between the objectives of the competition and its commitment to expanding educational opportunities for people from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
“The initiative aligns with our foundation’s agenda of promoting education among both indigent and non-indigent members of society, especially those in remote communities where access to educational opportunities and platforms for showcasing talent may be limited.
“We believe that every child deserves an opportunity to learn, demonstrate their abilities and pursue their academic ambitions. A student’s financial background should not determine how far that student can go in life,” he stated.
In addition to the N2 million sponsorship, DAFF also announced an additional N500,000 cash prize for the overall winner of the eighth edition, apart from what the organisation is preparing to gift the winners.
According to him, the additional prize is expected to encourage participating students to prepare thoroughly for the competition.
Fagbemi also acknowledged the importance of giving teenagers in Ibarapa Land opportunities to showcase their academic brilliance while learning from individuals whose experiences can provide guidance for their future.
He commended Peoples Conscience for sustaining a platform where students can gain exposure, build confidence and draw inspiration from people who have already navigated the academic and professional paths they aspire to follow.
“The value of this initiative goes beyond identifying the best debater or quiz contestant. It gives our teenagers an opportunity to showcase their intellectual abilities, learn from one another and gain insights from people whose experiences can guide them as they prepare for the future.
“When we create opportunities for young people to learn, compete and interact with accomplished individuals, we help broaden their outlook and encourage them to aspire to greater achievements,” he said.
The foundation’s renewed sponsorship comes as Peoples Conscience prepares for the eighth edition of the competition, with the organisers seeking to strengthen the initiative’s impact and expand educational opportunities for students. To achieve this, the organisation is targeting N100 million for its educational support and intervention programme, which is aimed at providing learning materials, reading desks, school uniforms to indigent students in public secondary schools, assisting financially disadvantaged students in tertiary institutions with tuition fees, and expanding access to scholarship opportunities.
Over the years, the largest educational gathering in Ibarapa Land has provided a platform for recognising academic talent and connecting students with scholarship opportunities and other forms of educational assistance.