LATE ATILOLA ADEDIGBA FAMILY SUPPORTS EDUCATION IN IBARAPA. ROLES OUT FREE WAEC, NECO, JAMB FORMS TO FIBSA DEBATE FINALISTS.

The family of the late Ibarapa born retired Public Administrator, Philanthropist and human capital developer, Late Alhaji Jimoh Atilola Adedigba brightens up the hope of participants of the just concluded Late Alhaji Jimoh Atilola Adedigba FIBSA inter secondary school debate competition in Ibarapa land.

The debate competition organized by the National body of Federation of Ibarapa Students’ Association and fully sponsored by the family of Late Alhaji Jimoh Atilola Adedigba family which had in attendance Traditional rulers, personalities and Students was held at the Aridunu Arena, Igboora on Saturday 30th August, 2025.

The grand finale phase was a captivating event moderated by panels of judges, who were neutral people of unblemished integrity, high pedigree, and intimidating academic background had each participant delivering speech on the topic: “CORRUPTION, NOT POVERTY, IS THE GREATEST THREAT TO NIGERIA’S DEVELOPMENT ”

The Chairman of the Day, Prof. Dhikirullah Adewale Yagboyaju(Head, Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan), in his speech, advised the students to prioritise their education seeing it as a pivotal weapon to fight against corruption in the country, he started. According to him:

“I commend the organizers of this Inter-Secondary School Debate Competition for choosing a topic that resonates with Nigeria’s current challenges: “Corruption, Not Poverty, Is the Greatest Threat to Nigeria’s Development.”

“Today’s debate showcases our students’ exceptional critical thinking and argumentation skills. As you engage in this intellectual discourse, remember that education is the foundation of national progress.

“Prioritize your studies, for it is through knowledge and critical thinking that we can tackle corruption and drive development.

“I commend the organizers for fostering a platform that promotes public speaking, teamwork, and critical thinking. I recommend that you extend invitations to parents to witness their children’s performances, fostering a sense of community and pride”, Prof. Yagboyaju concluded.

Speaking on behalf of Adedigba family, the Matriarch of Atilola Adedigba family, Alhaja Torera Morounranti Adedigba expressed her joy on the excellent performance of all the participants, acknowledged the FIBSA body and the Teachers for the good work on the Students. She acknowledged the FIBSA request for sustainability of the yearly debate program and graciously approved it as a yearly event of every 30th August in commemoration of the late personality’s post-humours birthday.

In addition , Alhaja Adedigba as an encouragement from the family, announced sponsorship of examination fees for WAEC, NECO, and UTME for all the 12 participants of the grand finale and the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand naira (#250,000) for each of the six participating schools in appreciation of the schools.

The family also promised to support sponsorship of extra coaching for public secondary schools subject to the students readiness and willingness.

In his opening remarks, the National President of Federation of Ibarapa Students’ Association, Com. Adeegbe Roqeeb appreciated the Adedigba family for what he described as a ‘noble initiative ‘, focused on inspiring students across Ibarapa region. He appreciated the Adedigba family for their noble initiative and passionately appealed to them to adopt the debate competition as an annual event.

According to him:

“I extend my deepest gratitude to the family of Late Alhaji Atilola Adedigba for this noble honour accorded to teenagers in Ibarapa through our forum. I passionately appeal to the family this initiative by adopting it as an annual event. Doing so well create a lasting legacy and continually inspires students, sharpen their intellects and think critically about the world around them.

“This tradition would not only foster unity and excellence among our students, but also ensure that the name Atilola Adedigba remains synonymous with education, progress and community pride for generations to come. May Allah continue to preserve his gentle soul in Paradise”, he concluded.

It will be recalled that debate competition received applications from over twenty-eight public schools across Ibarapa at the preliminary stage who were subjected to thorough scrutiny, and exceptional six(6) schools were shortlisted for the competitive grand finale.

After what is generally described as excellent performance, Lajorun High School emerged first with 88.25%, Iberekodo High School came second with 87%, Muslim College, Ayete came third with 79.25%, Ayete Grammar School, Ayete emerged 4th with 78.75%, Onitabo High School, Lanlate came 5th with 78%, while Obaseeku Grammar School, Eruwa emerged 6th with 37.75%.

Certificate of participation was presented to all participants from the preliminary stage by Princess Tope Adedigba while the leadership of FIBSA presented an award of honour and appreciation to Alhaja Wasilat Morounranti Adedigba through HRM Oba Jimoh Titiloye, Olu of Igboora Land.

The Adedigba family’s initiative is a commendable effort to promote education and inspire students in the Ibarapa region. Their commitment to supporting students’ educational development will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the community.

Traditional rulers at the event include the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye, Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Rafiu Ariwoola, Oluaso of Iberekodo, Oba Jamiu Badmos, Babaaso of Iberekodo – Igbole, Oba Joshua Ojo and Onisaganun of Saganun Oba Fasasi Jinad.

Dignitaries include Hon. Justice Akinteye (Rtd), former Oyo State Head of Service, Prince Gboyega Olaoye, Prince Goke Adenrele, Oyo State Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Mr. Zacheous Olaniyan, Permanent Secretary, Teaching Service Commission, Ibarapa zone, Alhaji O.M Abass, APC party chairman, Oyo State, Alhaji Saadu Adebayo, retired permanent secretary, Deaconess Adeyoola Ojo, Olori Amudalat Akinyemi, Igboora wives led by Alhaja Fasilat Olarinde, Alhaja Aminat Adesope Adesina (Aridunu Arena), Alhaja Segilola Badmos, Chief Imam of Igboora, Chief Imam of Tapa, Archbishop of the Methodist Church, Ibarapa, Mrs. Bola Akinteye, Prince Tayo Akinyemi, Presidents of Students’ body and secondary school students.