Peoples Conscience Chairman Declares Open 8th Ibarapa Debate Competition, Announces January 2 Date

The Chairman of Peoples Conscience, Mr. Oluseun Ogunlana, has officially declared open the campaign for the 8th edition of Ibarapa Debate Competition, reaffirming the initiative’s commitment to educational development, intellectual growth and the grooming of future leaders across Ibarapa Land.

Declaring the campaign open on Monday, October 19, 2026, Ogunlana described the competition as a platform for learning, networking and regional integration, noting that the initiative, which commenced in 2019, has continued to provide students from the seven principal communities in Ibarapa Land with opportunities to develop their intellectual abilities and showcase their talents.

He disclosed that over the years, numerous participants had received scholarship offers from reputable partner organisations, especially the official sponsor, Dominic Akinjide Fagbemi Foundation (DAFF), showcasing the competition’s contribution to educational advancement and the creation of opportunities for young people in Ibarapa region of Oyo State.

According to Ogunlana, the initiative was established to encourage academic excellence, promote critical thinking and provide a platform where students could engage constructively with issues affecting society while building the confidence required to excel in their future endeavours.

He explained that the 8th edition would, as usual, serve as a learning ground for participants and a venue for meaningful networking, while bringing the entire Ibarapa region together under one roof to strengthen unity and promote collective responsibility for regional development.

On the choice of theme for the forthcoming edition, Ogunlana stated that the competition would focus on politics and elections, as it did in 2023, because the event would precede Nigeria’s 2027 general election.

He noted that the timing presented an opportunity to encourage informed discussions about the political process, democratic participation and the future of Ibarapa Land ahead of the general election.

Ogunlana added that relevant stakeholders from different political backgrounds would be invited to participate in discussions aimed at charting a common course for the development of the region, irrespective of their political affiliations.

He emphasised that the initiative would provide a common platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, discuss issues of shared concern and explore ways of advancing the interests of Ibarapa Land beyond political differences.

Speaking further on the importance of the competition, the Peoples Conscience chairman stressed that education remained a fundamental instrument for preparing the next generation of leaders, adding that young people must be given opportunities to develop the knowledge, confidence and intellectual capacity needed to contribute meaningfully to society.

He maintained that the future of the region depended, to a considerable extent, on the quality of education and opportunities available to its young people, noting that platforms such as Ibarapa Debate Competition helped nurture future leaders by encouraging research, public speaking, critical reasoning and constructive engagement with contemporary issues.

Ogunlana also declared that partnership opportunities remained open to every individual and organisation willing to contribute to the success of the initiative, regardless of social status, professional background or political affiliation.

He called on education enthusiasts, community leaders, corporate organisations, philanthropists, public office holders and other well-meaning individuals to support the initiative and work collectively towards making the forthcoming edition the biggest educational gathering in Ibarapa Land as usual.

According to him, Ibarapa Debate Competition has become an eagerly anticipated educational event across the region, with students, parents, teachers and other stakeholders looking forward to another edition of intellectual engagement, networking and the celebration of academic excellence.

He urged every lover of education, home and abroad, to identify with the initiative, stressing that sustaining and expanding its impact required collective support and a shared commitment to the educational advancement of the region.

Meanwhile, the 8th edition of the Ibarapa Debate Competition is scheduled to hold on January 2, 2027, in line with the initiative’s established tradition.

The organisers disclosed that the detailed modalities for the competition would be announced soon, adding that participation in the debate category would be open exclusively to senior secondary school students, while the quiz category would be reserved for junior secondary school students.

As preparations gather momentum for the 8th edition, all lovers of education and stakeholders across the region are invited to partner with the organisers in making the January 2, 2027 event another landmark gathering for education, youth development and regional unity.