The Federation of Ibarapa Students Association (FIBSA) National Council, the apex student body representing the seven towns of Ibarapa zone (Lanlate, Eruwa, Igboora, Idere, Ayete, Tapa & Igangan), proudly announces the commencement of the Late Alhaji Jimoh Atilola Adedigba Inter-Secondary School Debate Competition.
Spearheaded by FIBSA National President, Ààre Adeegbe Rokeeb A., this pioneering initiative is designed to foster critical thinking, enhance public speaking skills, promote civic awareness, develop essential life skills, and build boldness among public secondary school students across the three Local Governments of Ibarapa. All 28 public secondary schools in the region are invited to participate in this intellectual showcase. This competition honors Alhaji Atilola’s lifelong dedication to education and community upliftment in Ibarapa.
Competition Schedule:
– Day 1: Ibarapa North LGA
Date: Monday, 21 July 2025
Venue: New Tapa Town Hall, Tapa
– Day 2: Ibarapa Central LGA
Date: Tuesday, 22 July 2025
Venue: Igboora High School (IHS), Igboora
– Day 3: Ibarapa East LGA
Date: Wednesday, 23 July 2025
Venue: Eruwa Community Hall, Eruwa
Date: Saturday, 30 August 2025
Time: 10:00 AM Prompt
Grand Finale
Venue: Igboora Community Hall, Igboora
Debate Topics; Students will engage with contemporary issues relevant to Ibarapa and beyond, debating the following propositions:
1. ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOLS IS MORE CRITICAL THAN TRADITIONAL EDUCATION RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS IN IBARAPA.
2. SUSTAINABLE PHILANTHROPY SHOULD PRIORITIZE EMPOWERING LOCAL COMMUNITIES OVER PROVIDING SHORT-TERM AID.
3. TRADITIONAL VALUES SHOULD BE PRESERVED IN THE FACE OF MODERN DEVELOPMENT.
Honouring a Legacy, Late Alhaji Jimoh Atilola Adedigba: This prestigious competition is named in honour of the late Alhaji Jimoh Atilola Adedigba, a distinguished son of Igboora and a beacon of educational achievement and community service. Born on 30 August 1943 into the family of Late Pa. Raimi Adedigba (Onilado Ajadi compound, Oke-Iserin Quarter, Igboora), Alhaji Atilola rose from humble beginnings through sheer determination. His academic journey spanned:
* Methodist Primary School, Oke Agogo, Igboora (1949-1956)
* Methodist Secondary Modern School, Igboora (1957-1959)
* Grade II Teachers Certificate (Local Authority Teachers Training, Ibadan, 1965-1966)
* B.Sc. Geography (University of Ibadan, 1967-1970)
* Postgraduate Diploma & M.Sc. Public Administration (Distinction) (Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, 1973-1982)
* Certificate in Human Resources Management (University of Connecticut, Hartford, USA).
He enjoyed a stellar career in the Oyo State Civil Service, rising through key positions including Assistant Secretary (Western State Schools Board), Principal Assistant Secretary (Civil Service Commission), Under-Secretary (Ministry of Education), Principal Secretary (Local Government & Information), Secretary for Service Matters (Office of the Governor), and Secretary for Special Duties.
Alhaji Atilola was deeply committed to his community. His pivotal contributions include:
* Instrumental roles in establishing Nawairu-ud-deen Grammar School and Ansaru-ud-deen Grammar School in Igboora.
* Founding contributions to the Igboora Community Bank.
* Generous financial support for numerous students and families in need.
His legacy of service continues through his family, who have:
* Facilitated the construction of a 6-classroom block at Nawairu-ud-deen Grammar School.
* Drilled boreholes, provided solar street lights, and supported eye care services.
* Remodeled and equipped the General Hospital, Igboora.
* Provided alms to the less privileged and sponsored annual Hajj/Umrah trips.
* Actively promoted peace and tranquility within Ibarapa.
“This competition embodies Alhaji Atilola’s lifelong dedication to education and community empowerment,” stated Ààre Adeegbe Rokeeb A., President of FIBSA National. “We aim to ignite the same spirit of intellectual curiosity and service in the youth of Ibarapa.
“FIBSA invites the public, educators, and stakeholders to support and attend the heats and the grand finale, celebrating academic excellence and the enduring legacy of a great Ibarapa icon.
Best wishes to all participating students!
The announcement was signed by Ààre Adeegbe Rokeeb A. (President, FIBSA National) through Comr. Oke Illyas Ololade (SA on Media and Publicity, FIBSA National)
