The Karim Adeyemi Foundation (KAF) has launched 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, in a statement issued on Monday in Ibadan, said the initiative, now in its fourth year, was established in 2023 to commemorate the globally recognised day while promoting education and sports as tools for youth empowerment.
KAF noted that the annual essay competition reflects its core values of educational advancement and sports development, which it described as central to the vision of its founder, international footballer Karim Adeyemi, whose work focuses on inspiring young people through learning and organised sports.
According to the organisers, this year’s competition aligns with the global IDSDP theme, “Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers,” with participating students expected to write on the topic, “More Than Just a Street Kid: How Sports Can Rebuild the Reputation of Communities.”
The foundation explained that the theme was designed to challenge prevailing stereotypes about disadvantaged communities.
“Sport is more than a game. It is a catalyst that unites people, eradicates stigma, connects communities to opportunities, and builds greatness. Many communities are burdened by negative labels that limit the aspirations of young people. Through sport, these barriers can be broken,” the statement read.
KAF added that the competition provides a platform for students to project the strengths, resilience, and creativity within their communities while reshaping public perception through research-driven essays.
The organisers disclosed that the competition would run in two phases between February and April 2026, followed by an award ceremony on a date to be announced later.
Submissions opened on Monday, February 9, 2026, via the foundation’s official website, where interested students are expected to submit essays and creative entries as an indication of participation.
Shortlisted candidates will advance to the second stage, a Computer-Based Test essay examination scheduled to hold at the Distance Learning Centre, University of Ibadan, in March.
At the grand finale, twelve finalists will emerge, including two runners-up and one overall winner.
KAF revealed that a total prize sum of ₦1 million would be distributed among the finalists to support payment for WASSCE, NECO, and UTME examinations, as well as assist with tertiary education expenses.
All participants will receive certificates and gift items courtesy of the Karim Adeyemi Foundation and Polaris Bank, while also gaining access to mentorship and personal development opportunities.
The foundation stated that since inception, no fewer than 25 students have benefited from the programme. It listed previous awardees 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), now a medical student at Obafemi Awolowo University.
Other beneficiaries include Akinade Priscilla (2024); Adeyemo BrightWonders (2024), currently studying Computer Science at the Federal University of Technology, Akure; and Ogundele Damilare Emmanuel of Ikolaba Grammar School (2023), now studying Forestry and Wildlife Management at the University of Ilorin.
KAF added that the 2026 edition of the competition is being held in partnership with the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, and Polaris Bank.
