Karim Adeyemi Foundation Launches 2026 IDSDP Essay Competition For Ibadan Public School Students
•By SULIAH ODUNAYO
IBADAN THE Karim Adeyemi Foundation (KAF) has announced the launch of the 2026 edition of its International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) Essay Competition for students in public secondary schools across Oyo State.
The foundation disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Monday in Ibadan, noting that the initiative, now in its fourth year, was introduced in 2023 to commemorate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace and to promote education and sports empowerment among young people.
According to KAF, the annual competition reflects its commitment to nurturing young minds through sports-inspired education while stimulating research, creativity, and innovation among students.
The statement noted that this year’s competition aligns with the global IDSDP theme, “Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers,” while participants are expected to write on the topic: “More Than Just a Street Kid: How Sports Can Rebuild the Reputation of Communities.”
KAF explained that the theme challenges students to see sport beyond recreation, describing it as a unifying force capable of eradicating stigma, connecting communities to opportunities, and reshaping public perception about marginalised areas.
The foundation added that many communities battle negative stereotypes that limit opportunities for young people, stressing that sport can serve as a tool for social rebranding and empowerment.
“Sports can break barriers of stigma and lack of access. Young people can rise above stereotypes attached to their communities. Their overlooked strength, creativity, and brilliance can gain visibility through sport,” the statement read.
It further urged students to use the essay platform to challenge societal labels and highlight the resilience, unity, and potential embedded in their communities.
KAF disclosed that the competition would run in two major stages between February and April 2026, culminating in an award ceremony scheduled for a later date.
Essay submissions and creative entries opened on Monday, February 9, 2026, through the foundation’s official competition portal. https://karimadeyemifoundation.org/kaf-idsdp-2026/
Shortlisted candidates will proceed to the second stage, a Computer-Based Test essay examination to be held at the Distance Learning Centre, University of Ibadan, in March.
At the grand finale, twelve finalists will be honoured, including two runners-up and one overall winner.
The foundation revealed that a total sum of ₦1 million would be shared among the 12 finalists at varying amounts to support payment for WASSCE, NECO, and UTME examinations, as well as contribute to their tertiary education fees.
All participants, it added, would receive certificates and gift bags sponsored by the Karim Adeyemi Foundation and Polaris Bank, and would also be invited to the award ceremony.
Beyond material rewards, KAF emphasised that beneficiaries would gain access to year-long mentorship, confidence-building programmes, and broader academic exposure.
Past Beneficiaries
The foundation stated that 25 students have benefited from the initiative since inception. It highlighted past winners to include Esuola Timothy of Government College, Ibadan (2025); Adeniyi Joseph of Celestial Church of Christ High School (2025); and Orukotan Emmanuel of Oladipo Alayande School of Science, Ibadan (2024), who has since gained admission to study Medicine at Obafemi Awolowo University.
Other beneficiaries listed include Akinade Priscilla (2024); Adeyemo BrightWonders (2024), now studying Computer Science at the Federal University of Technology, Akure; and Ogundele Damilare Emmanuel of Ikolaba Grammar School (2023), currently studying Forestry and Wildlife Management at the University of Ilorin.
KAF noted that the 2026 competition is being organised in partnership with the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, and Polaris Bank.
The Karim Adeyemi Foundation is a non-profit organisation focused on empowering young people through education, sports, and community development. Inspired by the journey and values of footballer Karim Adeyemi, the foundation works to create opportunities that help children expand their dreams and reach their full potential.