AOPE WINS, BEST BRAIN HONOURS IBARAPA PERSONALITIES, UNVEILS BOOK AND “RISE UP” LECTURE AT 3RD IBARAPA DEBATE

It was a day of intellect, inspiration and recognition as Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa (AOPE) emerged champions at the 3rd Ibarapa Inter-Tertiary Debate Competition held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate (OYSCOEL).

The event, organised by the Best Brain Initiative for Human Development, brought together brilliant students from across Ibarapa to debate the motion: “Nigerian youths are an adequate guarantee for national transformation and global advancement through capacity building in our digital world.”

After keen contestations, AOPE took first place, OYSCOEL came second, while Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora (OYSCATECH) finished third.

The programme, themed “Empowering Nigeria’s Future: A Clarion Call for Youths to Rise Up to the Challenges,” attracted royal fathers, academic leaders, education stakeholders and dignitaries.

In his address, the Convener of Best Brain Initiative for Human Development, Amb. Ojewola Olawale, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders.

“Yesterday, history was made in Ibarapa Land. On behalf of the Planning Committee and the entire Ibarapa youth community, I extend our profound gratitude to you. Your presence, support, and goodwill made the Ibarapa Inter-Tertiary Debate Competition 3.0, the Ibarapa Active Citizens Recognition, and the unveiling of my book, Rise Up, Young Nigerians! a resounding success.

We specially acknowledge our Royal Fathers: HRM Oba Dr. Jimoh Olajide Titiloye, the Olu of Igboora, and His Royal Highness, Oba Kehinde Isiaka Bayonle Oyedokun, the Onitabo of Itabo Land, Lanlate. We also recognize Dr. W.K. Raheem, who represented the Rector of OYSCATECH, Igboora and Prof. Akinola Kehinde Akinlabi, one of the recipients of the Ibarapa Active Citizens Recognition, Distinguished Community Leaders, Management of our Host and Invited Tertiary Institutions, my Publisher, and Friends of Ibarapa Land.

You did not just attend an event. You stood with us at a defining moment where young minds were sharpened through rigorous debate, where service and legacy were honoured, and where a new voice was added to the conversation about the future of our people and our nation. Because you came, Ibarapa rose. Because you believed, our movement for indigenous growth has new strength and new hope.”

A major highlight was the keynote lecture delivered by Prince Akintayo Akinyemi titled: “Rise Up – Why Nigeria Needs You Here More Than Abroad.”

Prince Akinyemi acknowledged the “Japa” wave, citing jobs, insecurity, poor infrastructure and the search for “greener pastures” as reasons youths are leaving. But he warned of the hidden costs: brain drain, broken families, loss of cultural identity, and the myth of “automatic success” abroad.

He told the students: “The problems you’re running from are the same problems waiting for someone bold to solve them. And that someone is YOU.”

Charging them to action, he said: “Rise up. Stay. Build. Prove them wrong. Japa can wait. But Ibarapa cannot wait. Nigeria cannot wait.”

He closed with the Yoruba proverb: _“Ile ni a nwo ki a to s’omo loruko” — We look at the condition of the home before naming a child.

Also speaking at the event, another guest speaker, Dr. Ibraheem Okunlola, delivered a presentation titled “Empowered, Not Entitled: The Youth Blueprint for Fixing Nigeria.” He outlined a step-by-step blueprint for young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.

The event also featured the unveiling of “Rise Up, Young Nigerians!” authored by Amb. Ojewola Olawale. The book was unveiled by His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye, Asoroolu Ayinla V, the Olu of Igboora.

Reviewing the book, Prince Akintayo Akinyemi described it as “not just a book, but a practical manual for young people navigating the path to leadership.”

The Ibarapa Active Citizens Recognition Award honoured distinguished individuals for outstanding contributions to education and community development.

Awardees include: Oba Dr.Jimoh Olajide Titiloye, Olu of Igboora, Prof. Akinola Kehinde Akinlabi, Rector, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Mrs. Adenike Fasina, Oyo State Head of Service, Prince Akintayo Akinyemi, Funke Akinteye, TETFund Board Member, Hon. Sunday Omoyin; and former FASU President, Comr. Saheed Olaosun and other notable personalities across Ibarapa land.

The Initiative also paid tribute to 3 departed icons whose legacies continue to inspire Ibarapa: Alh. Rahman Olalekan Onike, Engr. Pastor Oluwole Ayanniyi Ayanrinde and Omooba Gbaye Adewuyi.

Amb. Ojewola charged all recipients: “Let us keep the flag flying. Your commitment sends a clear message to our youths: that excellence is noticed, that service is valued, and that the future of Ibarapa and Nigeria is in capable hands. To our Heroes of Blessed Memory, your legacy lives. We will forever remember you.”

Organisers said the 3rd edition reaffirmed Best Brain Initiative’s commitment to empowering youths and celebrating excellence across Ibarapa land.