The organisers of the prestigious Ibarapa Debate Competition have extended profound gratitude and high commendation to Mr. Soji Ademola Toriola, the esteemed Vice President of the Huntington National Bank in the United States, for his exceptional and unwavering support. His generous all-time donation has been formally acknowledged as a fundamental cornerstone of the initiative, solidifying his role as a key patron of youth development in the Ibarapa region. This public recognition underscores the deep appreciation the community holds for his commitment to educational advancement.
The management team of the competition lauded Mr. Toriola for transforming his annual financial contribution into what they describe as a "way of life." This extraordinary commitment is considered a rare privilege that the organisation vows to forever cherish and uphold as an example of philanthropic dedication. They highlight that such consistent and substantial backing from successful diasporians is critical, allowing the initiative to move beyond year-to-year uncertainty and focus squarely on its core mission of fostering intellectual growth.
For the last seven years, the sustainability and growth of the Ibarapa Debate Competition have been directly supported by the consistent inflow of funds from individuals like Mr. Toriola. The competition has grown to become a crucial educational platform, providing students across Ibarapa Land with the opportunity to hone essential skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and logical argumentation. This investment by the Ibarapa-born banking executive is seen not merely as charity, but as a strategic contribution to shaping the future intellectual capital of the region.
The organisers made special mention of the significant expansion in the competition’s reach, which has been directly facilitated by these reliable donations. What began as a small contest involving only a handful of schools has blossomed into a major event, now engaging over 60 public and private secondary institutions across the seven principal communities in Ibarapa Land. This broader participation ensures that the benefits of developing oratorical skills and competitive spirit are accessible to a wider demographic of local students.
In their formal statement, the competition's representatives articulated the beneficiaries' appreciation, stating, “On behalf of the younger generation, particularly pupils in Ibarapa Land who are the beneficiaries of this initiative, we say a big thank you.” This focused expression of gratitude emphasizes that Mr. Toriola’s generosity is directly impacting the lives and academic trajectories of hundreds of young students, empowering them with skills vital for future academic and professional success.
Furthermore, the organising committee used the opportunity to announce the eagerly anticipated schedule for the Ibarapa Debate Competition 2026. Following the successful securing of sustained funding, the registration will commence with the preliminary rounds, leading up to the Grand Finale on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026. This early announcement aims to give schools and students ample time to prepare and participate in the highly competitive event.
Concluding their message, the organisation extended their sincere best wishes to Mr. Ademola Toriola, wishing him continued success and prosperity in all his professional and personal endeavours. His name has now become synonymous with educational excellence and youth empowerment in the Ibarapa region, setting a sterling example for other community members, both at home and abroad, to contribute meaningfully to the progress of their homeland.