As part of ongoing efforts to promote academic excellence among young people and prepare the next generation for leadership positions in his constituency, member representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency, Hon. Dr. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, has announced plans to host the third edition of the nationally celebrated One-Day House of Representatives initiative as part of activities marking his third year in office.
The initiative, which has gained national recognition and has been to date the only One-Day Rep Initiative in the whole country, was first held in 2024 when 16-year-old Hon. (Miss) Peace Oluwaseyi Oladosu made history by becoming the first One-Day House of Representatives member. She was subsequently succeeded in 2025 by 15-year-old Hon. (Miss) Suliat Adeola Haruna, both from Idere in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Over the years, the programme has continued to enjoy widespread support from Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, with many looking forward to its annual staging due to its impact on youth development, civic education and leadership grooming.
Approving the programme on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Hon. Adepoju expressed appreciation to the people of Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North for their support over the past three years. He noted that their support has contributed significantly to the developmental strides recorded since his election into the House of Representatives in 2023.
According to him, investing in the education and empowerment of younger ones is an investment in the future of the nation. He pledged to sustain the initiative, adding that participants from previous editions and those expected to participate this year fall within the age bracket of first-time voters in the 2027 general elections. He expressed optimism that the programme would equip them with a better understanding of their civic rights, responsibilities and the importance of participating in democratic processes as youths who constitute about 60 percent of Nigeria’s population.
The federal lawmaker announced that the first phase of the initiative, which is the Aptitude Test, to be written by all SS3 students in both public and private schools in the constituency, will be conducted on Saturday, July 4, 2026, while online essay submissions from 10 outstanding candidates in each community, selected from the earlier Aptitude Test will run until Saturday, July 18, 2026. The grand finale between five successful candidates representing each of the five communities making the constituency from the first two stages above is scheduled to hold on Thursday, July 29, 2026.
The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character also disclosed that more programmes and initiatives to commemorate his third anniversary in office would be unveiled in the coming days.
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