ONDO STATE SHUTS SCHOOLS OVER COVID-19

Friday Omosola

Following the widespread of COVID-19 (corona virus) across the globe, the Ondo State Government has ordered the closure of all schools across the state.

The Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi  Akeredolu made this known today, while addressing citizens of the state.

He ordered the commencement of the closure from tomorrow March 20th till further notice, in order to the ensure safety of the people.

Aketi assured the citizens that, "the state government would do everything and all things in its power, knowledge and capability to protect and preserve our well-being. It is our duty and commitment to ensure that Ondo state people live a healthy and fulfilled life."

He noted that his administration had taken the following steps to ensure that the health system was ready to manage the situation effectively in collaboration with the federal government and its development partners.

He said, "These steps include:
Equipping the state infectious disease hospital as a treatment center for the disease. Upgrading the state disease surveillance network to be able to identify cases and ensure proper community surveillance Roll out a sustained media campaign on the COVID-19 infection."

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KIDNAPPED ONDO POLY GRADUATES RELEASED

By: Friday Omosola

The four graduates of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic kidnapped on Monday night on their way to the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp at Zamfara state, have been rescued.

According to SaharaReporters, the victims were identified as Oladehin Olamigoke, Fanoku Juwon, Ojo David, Adenibiuan Adegboyega.

While confirming their release on phone to our correspondent today, the Student Union President of the institution, Comrade  Ebiniyi Comrade (Comrade Comrade) said the graduates were rescued by the policemen in an operation that commenced on Tuesday morning. 

Godwin, who is currently serving at Anusha Local Government Area of Delta State, affirmed that no amount was paid before the release of the graduates.

He added that the kidnappers, who were mainly Hausas, demanded a ransom of 10 million naira from each of the prospective corps members.

It could be recalled that the victims were whisked away by unknown armed men around 11:30 pm, along Funtua Road in Katsina State, on Monday

It was gathered that the kidnappers called the families around midnight on Tuesday and demanded N10m ransom.

According to a parent to one of the victims, the kidnappers called with the same number they used to reach him the previous day, which was later given to the police.

“I just spoke with the Commissioner of Police now and he told me that all four have been rescued. I am thankful to the police for rescuing them. The kidnappers called again around midnight and this time, someone who could speak English was on the other end. They said I have to bring N10m for my child to be released.

“But I did not pay anything and they have been rescued. I am thankful that the children are safe and they are being taken to NYSC office in Katsina,” said the parent.

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ECHO Supervising Editor Shortlisted For CJA Awards

Toluwalope Adebayo

The Supervising Editor of Echo Media, Adesola Ikulajolu has been shortlisted for the 2020 Campus Journalism Awards.

Ikulajolu alongside the Immediate Past President of the Nigerian Union of Campus Journalist, AAUA Chapter, Damilola Olufemi, are among the 30 finalists to be screened by a panel of judges in Abuja, on March 28th.

The professional awards event, which is organized by the Youth Digest, is an annual platform that celebrates gifted Nigerian campus writers and journalists.

With over 266 entries, the third edition of the awards will have 15 winners in 15 categories which include: Upcoming Writer, Entertainment Writer, Sports Writer, Reporter, Gender Equality Reporter, Broadcaster and Photo-journalist, Pen Club, Author (Book), Social Media Influencer, Investigative Journalist, Features Writer, Editor, Print Magazine, and the grand award of Campus Journalist of the Year.

The  2020 CJA is themed “Press Freedom: Catalyst for Good Governance”.

According to the Head of the Screening Committee, Alfred Olufemi, the keynote address is set to be delivered by the Honourable Minister, of Youth and Sports.

Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu will be hosted as the Special Guest of Honour.

Olufemi further disclosed that the event will feature the launch of a book titled a ‘Musings of Young Minds: A collection of articles by campus journalists,” edited by
the Editor of the Youths Digest, Gidado Yushau Shuaib, .

Below are the names of the finalists and their institutions:

1. Kafilat Taiwo – Moshood Abiola Polytechnic

2. Muhyideen Kolawole – Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto

3. Olufemi Damilola – Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko

4. Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu – Bayero University Kano

5. Yusuf Mutiu Olaitan – University of Ilorin

6 Hassan Abdulsalam – Moshood Abiola Polytechnic

7. Ajala Samuel – Federal University Oye Ekiti

8. Daniel Whyte – Federal University Oye Ekiti

9. Mariam Ileyemi – Lagos State University

10. Victoria Ifeolu – American University of Nigeria

11. Abdulwaheed Sofiullahi – Usmanu Danfodiyo University

12. Owolabi Kuburat – Usmanu Danfodiyo University

13. Abdulhaleem Ishaq Ringim – School of Nursing, ABU Teaching Hospital

14. Uthman Samad – Obafemi Awolowo University

15. Ojurongbe Sodiq – Moshood Abiola Polytechnic

16. Abiodun Jamiu – Usmanu Danfodiyo University

17. Peter Oyebanji – Obafemi Awolowo University

18. Stephen Enoch – Bayero University Kano

19. Qosim Suleiman – Usmanu Danfodiyo University

20. Prince Innocent Federal University Otuoke

21. Muhammad Auwal – Ahmadu Bello University

22. Solomon Oladipupo – University of Lagos

23. Ridhwan Adetutu Abdullahi – University of Ilorin

24. Ikulajolu Adesola – Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko

25. News Digest Press, (UDUS)

26. Mohammed Dahiru Lawal – Bayero Univesity Kano

27. LASUGONG Newspaper – Lagos State University

28. Adeyinka Ademola – The Polytechnic Ibadan

29. Mohammed Yakubu – IBB University

30. Udeobasi Blessing – University of Nigeria Nsukka

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Mass Communication Student Bags Best SIWES Student Award

Folashade Azeez receiving her award of excellence

Clarion Olusegun

A student of the Department of Mass Communication, Adekunle Ajasin University, Afolashade Azeez has been awarded as the best student of the 2018/2019  Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).

The award of excellence was presented to her on Thursday during the 2019/2020 SIWES orientation programme.

In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, Azeez described the achievement as a dream come true and a deserved one.

According to her, bagging the award was a function of her determination, hardwork and deliberate attitude to work.

She said, " During the last year SIWES orientation, an award was presented to a lady, who was also from the Department of Mass Communication. Then, I told myself I could also get it; this moved me to do the needful. Probably, other students were present, but my own intention was getting it. So, I was very happy when it came, because I put in my efforts and I got it. In fact, the orientation we had before we left for our industries really helped me to work harder.

Talking about her challenges, she said " My major challenge was faced when my first industry-based supervisor was changed, and I was attached to another person who wouldn't take me to events as a reporter. This made me walk up to other reporters in the organization, so they could help me perform my duties diligently. They all did well by taking me to events for reports.

She further advised all SIWES students to set their priorities right and be true to themselves.

Azeez added, "If you are sincere to yourself, there is nothing you cannot achieve. Don't deceive yourself "

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AAUA Announces Mid-Semester Break

Friday Omosola

Following the postponement of its 2019/2020 first semester examination to mourn the deaths of two students,  Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko has approved a two-week mid-semester break for all students.

This was made known today in a circular signed by the Acting Registrar, Opeoluwa Akinfemiwa.

According to the circular, students are expected to resume for the continuation of the 2019/2020 first semester academic calendar on Monday, 22nd March, 2020.

It reads, "As a follow-up to the earlier memo conveying the University Management’s heartfelt condolences to the University community and the families of the deceased on recent painful loss of our students and the subsequent postponement of the First Semester Examinations, the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga E. Ige, on behalf of the University Senate, has approved a two-week Mid-Semester Break for all students with immediate effect."

The circular further stated that the break was to enable students refresh and prepare well for the 2019/2020 first semester examinations.

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AAUA Postpones Exam, Mourns Deaths of Students.

Toluwalope Adebayo

Few days after the extension of its 2019/2020 first semester examination, the management of Adekunle Ajasin University has postponed the examination following the death of two students on Thursday and yesterday respectively.

In a condolence message signed by the Acting Registrar, Mr.Opeoluwa Akinfemiwa, the examination expected to commence on Monday, March 9, 2020, with GST and ENT courses has been postponed till further notice to mourn the deceased.

The students were identified as Temitope Patience Ayedun, a 200 Level of the Department of Educational Management and  Olakunle Matthew Olayinka, a 300-Level student of the Department of Biochemistry.

According to the message, Temitope Ayedun had been admitted to the university's healthcare, before she was transferred to Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where she died on Thursday.

Also, Olakunle Olayinka who suffered from a gunshot by unknown men at the Medoline area of the school environment on Friday, lost his life yesterday at the university's healthcare, after futile attempts by the medical personnel to save his life.

The statement reads" The University Management received, with rude shock, the loss of two of our students to death in the course of the week.

"On admission of Miss Temitope Patience AYEDUN, a 200 Level of the Department of Educational Management, at the University Health Centre, the Medical Personnel tried their best to manage her until she was referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo where she was intensively managed before she died on Thursday, 5th March, 2020. The news of the death of Mr Olakunle Matthew OLAYINKA, a 300-Level student of the Department of Biochemistry, following wounds from a gunshot by unidentified gunmen, was received last night, Friday, 6th March, 2020, after the Medical personnel at the University Health Centre put up spirited efforts to stabilise him. The Security agents are still on the trail of the assailants for apprehension."

The University Management further commiserated with the families of the deceased, and urged students to remain calm as the University Management has beefed up security within and outside the campus to forestall recurrence.

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Studentpreneur: Flopping is my greatest fear- Ore-ofe Aladesuyi

Ore-ofe Aladesuyi, a 200 level student of the Department of History and international studies, is the CEO of TASTYFORMULA, a confectionaries business. In this interview with Glorious Emoruwa, she talks about her business and the journey so far.

How did you come about your business idea?
The idea to start this business came when i thought about my future being sealed with handwork, and that my career was just a 50-50 chance.

Why the name "TastyFormula"?
I went beyond the recipe I got from my boss and the outcome was pleasant, hence the name "TastyFormula" was given to what i do.

How do you build a successful customer base?
I have been able to do this by giving my customers the best service I can render.

What marketing tactics best work for your business?
I market my brand through social media, friends and family. Often times, i post deliveries made by us online.

What motivates you?
I get motivated when people compliment my efforts and business.

How do you generate new ideas?
Basically, i get myself into deep and critical thoughts, and also make online researches.

Can you tell us what your greatest fear is, and how do you manage it?
Flopping is my greatest fear. In managing this, I put in all my possible best into what i do.

What are your ideals?
My major ideal is to be an exemption.

What is your favourite part of being an entrepreneur?
The fact that i am being respected.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
I get most satisfied when people pay extra money to buy what I sell.

Kindly state the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Passion, determination and diligence.

What piece of advice would you give to a university undergraduate who wants to become an entrepreneur?
I will enjoin any undergraduate to be passionate about his or her business, and at the same time be committed to studying in school.

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NAMACOS AAUA ELECTS EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

Omodolapo Agboola, Friday Omosola, Daniel Gbiri

The National Association of Mass Communication students, Adekunle Ajashin University (AAUA) chapter, yesterday held its 2020/2021 Students Executive Board election.

Aspirants of various posts of the executive board, who had declared their intentions of serving the students, were on Wednesday screened by the NAMACOS Students' Union Electoral Committee, and further presented their manifestos at the Mass Communication Relaxation Centre (MRC).

The following results were announced by the SUEC Chairman, Dapo Akinbinu, while winners emerged:

NAMACOS 2020 ELECTION RESULTS.
Total number of ballot papers = 600
Total number of Unused ballot papers = 162

President
Adagba Promise(Promise O)= 226
Kieribo Esther Oluwadmilola (M.O.B)= 153
Void= 59

VICE-PRESIDENT
Aladeyika Olayiwola Olanifemi (Niffy)= UNOPPOSED

GENERAL SECRETARY
Babalola Olamide Olamileka (Adams Blinks)= UNOPPOSED.

ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY
Maka Karinatei Irene (IRENE)= UNOPPOSED.

FINANCIAL SECRETARY
Oyolola Samuel Olamide (SAMMY P)= UNOPPOSED.

TREASURER
Philips Ileriloluwa Boluwatife (Treasure)= UNOPPOSED.

SPORT DIRECTOR
Oluwadahun Olalekan Olumuyiwa (Captain Lucas)= UNOPPOSED

SOCIAL DIRECTOR
Olakanye Femi (Catalyst)= 245
Owoeye Precious(Owhos)= 127
Void= 66

WELFARE DIRECTOR
Eniola Ayomiposi Samuel(Poshman)= 195
Anike Moses Chibuke (Mc-Mose)= 151
Void=92

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
Olukayode Goodness Opeyemi (Goody)= UNOPPOSED.

SUG SRC
Idowu Ridwan David (Emperor Kim)= 247
Ojo Timothy Oluwasuen( Timophilia)= 125
Void= 66

NAMACOS SRC

200 LEVEL
Owolade Oluwatosin David (Teewonder)= UNOPPOSED.

SOMASSA SRC

200 LEVEL
Ariyo Temitayo Paul (Exquisite Ty) UNOPPOSED.

400LEVEL
Bayode Oluwasegun Roland (Questionnaire) UNOPPOSED

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AAUA EXTENDS EXAMINATION

Friday Omosola

The Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, has increased the duration of its 2019/2020 first semester examination by one week.

The examination slated to start on Monday, March 9, 2020, will only commence with GST and ENT courses, while departmental and faculty examinations will kick-start on Monday, March 16, 2020.

This was contained in a circular released yesterday by the school management to the university premises.

The circular stated, "Following appeals from the Student Union Leaders, the Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has directed that the First Semester examinations scheduled, should commence ONLY with University-wide GST and ENT CBT examinations from Monday, 9th March to Thursday, 12th March 2020 while all other Faculty and Departmental  will commence on Monday, March 16, 2020."

The circular added that all newly matriculated students should endeavour to register on before Monday, March 9, 2020,  to enable them to participate in the forthcoming examination.

According to it, students without matriculation numbers will not be allowed to sit for the examination.

The circular directed all the university's dons to take note of the new change.

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