NAMACOS Press Week: Ondo State Journalist Of The Year Bags New Award

   Saheed Ibrahim receiving the award of honour. 

By: Friday Omosola

Ondo State 2022 Print Journalist of the Year Award winner, Saheed Ibrahim of The Hope Newspaper has again bagged an award of Excellence for his contributions to societal development.

The award, which was presented to him at the 15th public lecture of the National Association of Mass Communication Students, NAMACOS, AAUA, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Multipurpose Hall(OBJ) on Tuesday.

      Faces at the public lecture 

The Ondo NUJ 2022 best investigative reporter who once graduated as the best student in the department appreciated NAMACOS for finding him worthy as well as pledged his support and contributions to the growth of the association and the department.

He said:  "It is an honor and one thing I love to do and I will continue doing it. It's my alma mater, and I ensure it grows and develops no matter how. 

"This is celebrated every year. When I was an exco in the departmental. It is a way of celebrating ourselves, celebrating those who have left this department and are still with us. It is a way of projecting Mass Communication, the prestigious department." 

The best print media reporter urged students of the department to hone their journalism skills while on campus, adding that the media industry is competitive and a certificate in journalism alone is not enough. 

"Experience is the key and paramount, so,  I will urge you all to make use of any available means to get it. People want to see what you can do and your certificate will even come last. If they see what you can do, they can even take you ahead of someone that has all the required professional certificates. "

Speaking on the public lecture theme "Digital Age Journalism. Creating An Enabling Environment To Foster Communication Development", he said digital journalism would bridge the gaps between theories and practical, adding that embedding it in the curriculum would make things change for the better. 

"In this Digital age after your degree, the best thing for you guys is to go further. This requires professional courses in journalism which can be fact-checking, digital news reporting, or digital communication practices."

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Jobberman Trains AAUA Students On Employable Soft-Skills

Emmanuel OluwadolaI

n partnership with Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Jobberman Nigeria, a non-profit organization set up free soft-skills training to help students enhance their employability after school.

Jobberman is a free online and offline soft skills training program focused on equipping young people between the ages of 18-30 with the right skills to compete in the Nigerian job market.

The training which started on the 25th of November 2022, will continue for three weeks, two days a week (Wednesdays & Fridays) between the hours of 12-2 pm at Obafemi Awolowo Multi-purpose Hall (OBJ).

The students of AAUA will be exposed to skills such as Personal Effectiveness and Time Management, Effective Communication, Business Etiquette and Workplace Ethics, Emotional Intelligence and Teamwork, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Creativity and Innovation, and other employability skills.

The Community Engagement Manager, Ayodeji Ilesanmi assured that the students will be issued a professional certificate after the training based on their performances.

"Students will first fill a baseline assessment test before the training and after the training, an endline assessment test will be done and students must at least answer five questions correctly to be eligible for the certificates that will be issued out."

He added, " Today being the first day, the turnout was impressive and we hope to train more youths. The door is still open to students who have not participated, they can join".

Ilesanmi also expressed his gratitude to the school management, the Students' Union President, and everyone who has supported the training.

Representing the Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Professor Olugbenga Ige, the Dean of Students Affairs, Professor Akanbi Olusegun spoke on behalf of the VC who noted that the Institution wants students to acquire skills that will help them progress outside the school walls.

"It is a good program based on our findings. If not, we would not have allowed it to take place here. Some of us, when we finished our Degrees back then did not know how to write a CV, prepare for interviews and all, but our students have the opportunity to learn all these for free during this training.

"Even the VC wishes that all students of this school participate in the training because it will help them learn and enhance their capacity after they have left the University," the DSA remarked.

The facilitator, Aisha Amin exposed students to these various modules where she urged students to be disciplined and take up action instead of complaining and be self-aware to be personally effective and creative.

"As a student, you have to be self-aware of your strengths and weaknesses to be personally effective in school and at work. In this training, we will also teach you how to write an effective email and CV for job opportunities," she said.

One of the participants, Favour Itasanmi, a 100-level student of Animal and Environmental Biology revealed that she heard about the training through a broadcast message and was compelled to register and participate in the training.

"The training was amazing. I enjoyed all the sections and I have been able to learn time management, personal effectiveness and other skills that will help me become a better version of myself in all endeavors," Favour noted.

Igbaro Kehinde, a 400-level student of Political Science explained how he thought the training would be one of the usual training but he said it was a different experience for him.

"These are professionals that have come to teach us how to compose and present ourselves for job opportunities. The skills that I have learned will not only help me after I graduate but from this very moment," he said.

Another participant, Olajide Praise, a student of Early Childhood Education reiterated that the training will afford her a better opportunity when applying for jobs.

"We were exposed to communication skills, creative thinking, how to write a CV and some other skills. I believe that if I can apply them, it will make me have more advantage over others during a job interview or when looking for jobs," Praise affirmed.

Oke Oluwasegun, a 300-level student of Business Administration also affirmed that he got the opportunity to participate through a link sent to him, "as a software developer, I have learned how to write a cover letter and this will help me when applying for jobs. With this training, I believe I now have a better understanding of how these skills work," he said.

Jobberman has trained over 60,000 and placed over 50,000 in dignified jobs, 31 of whom are now facilitators in the soft skills training programs.

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Beyond Journalism; A Shola Ilesanmi's Tribute

To the ever living firebrand Shola Ilesanmi of OSRC, Orange FM, OSRC, AAUA, BBC, Ondo State, and beyond. 

Tied to a lead with chains, rather than ropes, our heart is thrown to the middle of the ocean with no one to come to our rescue. A time like this would have been perfect for a fact-checker to debunk the information as a fake news.

If only it can be debunked…

Shola Ilesanmi is a man of unpretentious heart, an impact-maker, an instructional guide and guidance, an inspiration that can not be sidelined.

We miss a man whose story will inspire generations to come.  We miss the icon who was always there whenever we need him for anything. 

When something is beyond description, the Yourba people will always spell it out by saying in their dialect that, Ajanaku ko’ja mo ri n’kan firi.

A Journalist and humanist; a boss like a brother, a mentor whose remarkable personality, actions, impact, kindness, leadership skills, humility, and loving tenderness will forever be missed.

There are few indefatigable journalists who have amassed, created, and presented impactful stories in various newsrooms in Nigeria over the years. 

Shola ilesanmi has exhibited his talent, lambency, and dissertation through the fact checking myriad of fake news across the country.

He had written with great empathy for society and in a way that brought the stories to reality. 

He was a courageous writer and rare pen connoisseur, mostly when it came to telling the human angle related stories. 

Your deeds and incredible dissertations will forever remain a bequest legacy both for practicing and uprising journalists to look up to.

Even in ecstasy and hot seat, Shola kept alive the breath of the values of truth and public interest in journalism at hearts even as he breathed his last on earth.

Perhaps, this day will never leave our memories. For us who had the grace to meet the icon, Shola Ilesanmi. For us who know his story and daily get inspired to keep pushing and forging ahead diligently, his death will never leave our hearts.

We earthly lost him but we believe you are heavenly gained. Rest on boss🕊️

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AAUASU Crown Winners, Gift Cash Prize For Poetry Competition

Emmanuel Oluwadola

Students of Adekunle Ajasin University have bagged a prize award in a poetry competition organized in memory of the former Students' Union President, Late Comrade Adesomoju Samuel popularly known as (Sampraise).

The Office of the General Secretary, AAUASU, under the administration of Tolulope Adeyefa, initiated the competition to promote writing prowess among students while honoring souls of the departed heroes.

Prizes were presented today at the Student's Union Building to the Winner, Omolasoye Adebowale, a 300-level student from Faculty of Law; the 1st Runner-Up, Roland Bayode, a 400-level student from the Department of Mass Communication; and the 2nd Runner-Up, Akinbani Moses, a 100-level student from Faculty of Law.

Speaking at the event, the Students' Union President, Ogunsanmi Kolade known as (Multiple) congratulated the winners, further applauding them for not giving up despite the massive number of students who enrolled for the competition.

Omolasoye Adebowale, the winner of the competition said the competition is one of a kind, though it was not an easy or sweet experience. He however expressed his gratitude to God and the Union for organizing this competition.

"I also give my unalloyed appreciation to AAUASU for deeming it fit to organize this competition in honor of our late heroes, one of whom was the former President of this Union, in the person of Late Comr. Adesomoju Samuel (Sampraise). It's probably rare in the history of the Union. It is a welcomed development. May the souls of the departed continue to rest in perfect peace," Adebowale said.

Roland Bayode, the 1st Runner-up, also expressed his thoughts said, "There is always hope if we never stop trying. A part of me is happy winning this but another of me is feeling sad because of what led to this which is the death of our former student union leader Sampraiz, who we lost in the struggle of getting a degree. We have lost a leader and I believe that even at his demise, his reputation, resilience, and prestige still live forever." 

"I am indeed grateful and I must emphasize that we should all keep doing the best we can do in our various fields, everyone cannot be a writer but we can all right our society using our God-given gifts. Also, I will like to express special gratitude to the Student Union Leaders Executives, particularly the Gen Secretary who initiated this laudable idea and made it a reality knowing that Sampraiz needs to be remembered, not just in our minds, but also in our crafts and act," he said. 

Akinbani Moses, 2nd Runner-Up expressed his joy to have been among the winners. "They are trying to bring out the talent in individuals, it is encouraging. When I wanted to enroll in this competition, I doubted maybe I could be among the winners but thank God today I am among the lucky winners," Moses said.

The General Secretary of the Union, Tolulope Adeyefa affirmed that the prizes should have been presented during the Public Memorial Lecture held on January 23, 2022, in honor of the AAUA students who lost their lives in the tragic accident on January 23, 2021, but due to some circumstances surrounding it, they could not achieve that, reason, why they need to present the prizes before the semester, runs out.

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AAUA: Echo Editor-In-Chief Win Big at Memorial Competition

 Friday Omosola

The Editor-in-chief of Echo Newspaper, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Roland Bayode had bagged a woven prize at the just concluded poetry competition in memory of late former students union of AAUA, Adesomoju Samuel politically known as Sampraise.

The competition which was organized by the current students union administration led by Comrade Ogunsanmi Kolade (Multiple) in conjunction with the office of the general secretary received many entries from over 100 students of the institution.

Presenting the prizes to the winner, first, runner-up and the second runner-up, the students union secretary, Comrade Adeyefa Tolulope (Elite) said the competition came to birth to appreciate the good works of the fallen hero.

Speaking with Echo News, Roland Bayode, 400L student of Mass Communication and the first runner-up said he had always loved trying and never for once stopped trying.

He said: "When I saw the contest, I was so busy applying for some opportunities in the media but I just had to adjust my time and a friend said I should go for it and I did."

Roland added that he didn't give up amidst several rejections, saying that there are some silent conquests and there is hope if people never stop trying. 

"A part of me is happy winning this but another of me is feeling grim because of what led to this, which is the death of our former student union leader Sampraise, who we lost in the struggle of getting a degree," he added.

"We  have lost a leader that even after demise, his reputation, resilience, and prestige still lives forever." 

He said the circle someone has also serve as a  great infliunec and will also determine who a person will become in the future.

He urged people to learn how to be self-motivated regardless of any situation, admonished them to remain firm and always keep believing that one day, the tide will turn.

"I might not have participated if not because of a friend who persuaded me to shoot my shot, as for him, I'm indeed grateful," he said.

"However, my advice to students generally will be from what the incumbent SUG President; Comrade Multiple, said earlier in the course of the presentation. 

"He said, most of the youth, particularly the students, don't have any trust in education anymore as we often hear and read about the daily increase in cybercrime activities daily. I think there is an important message worth noting in his statement and I will just like to emphasize that we should all keep doing the best we can in our various fields. Everyone cannot be a writer but we can all 'right' the wrongs of our society using our god-given gifts.

 "We just have to look beyond the present and work for a better future." 

He further emphasized the need for students to remain rigorous in fighting against moral decadence in the society, saying they can be the best in school, live well on campus and become a vermin and zilch after leaving campus. 

According to him,  "I will like to also express my special gratitude to the Student Union Leaders Executives, particularly the Gen Secretary who initiated this laudable idea and made it a reality. He has led by example, by thinking and realizing that Sampraise needs to be remembered, not just in our minds, but also in our crafts and act."

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AAUA Students Lament The Need For Improvement In GST System

Friday Omosola 

Students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko have expressed resentments and dissatisfaction over the conduct of the school GST which commence today with communication in English 1(GST 111).

Our reporter observed that the process turned struggle immediately after the morning tally was distributed at Olusegun Obasanjo Multipurpose hall(OBJ) for the tally.

Students who queued at the front of the OBJ for tally told our reporter that they are highly disappointed at the conduct of the examination, describing it as unplanned.

Also, our reporter observed that some students fainted along the run.

Pleading anonymity, a student from the department of English bemoaned about the struggling, saying it's abnormal and uncivilized in the so-called 21st Century university.

He added that: "I have friends in other schools and conduct of their GST examination is not done this way."

Corroborating, Ayobami who failed to disclose her identity further for the fear of being labeled urged the management to address the issue.

She said: "Most of us have not eaten, we only came to collect the tally, write the examination and go home to prepare for the use of the library, not knowing it will turn to the journey of Israelites."

"We know today's own can't be rearranged again but we urged the management to do something to avoid the same occurrence tomorrow," another student added.

Speaking further, she said: "This is my first time writing GST, and seeing this kind of thing shattered my heart. I'm unpleased with this and management is not doing anything."

"Can you now see? The student just fainted during the struggle. This is sardonic and unprofessional."

However, it was observed that the GST officers are currently calming the situation to make sure all students get the tally.

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AAUA: The Role of SUG, NANS, AAUA Students in The Feb 4th Protest

•••Aluta Strategy Turnned The Wheel 

Emmanuel Oluwadola

Students of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko have protested against incessant accidents along the Akungba-Akoko road as a result of the movement of heavy trucks.

The students at the early hour of Feb 4th, trooped out in masses to express their agitations, projecting that strict measures have not been taken to curtail heavy trucks causing accidents from plying the narrow-high road, which needed to be dualized.

A commercial motorcyclist, Mr. Adebayo Kunle reacted to the protest. He said, "We are tired of the death of our people on this road. We ride daily with fear, always watching out for heavy trucks, as they cause frequent accidents all the time."

The Student Union President, Ogunsanmi Kolade, while speaking with pressmen, disclosed that several letters have been earlier written to the office of the Governor as part of the steps taken to stop the menace and his administration will not rest until the needful is done.

"Before, we are pleading that trucks should be allowed to move from the hour of 10 pm to 5 am, but now the message we are passing to Mr. Governor, the Federal Government, and Stakeholders involved is that we do not want any truck to ply Akungba-Ikare road."

Reacting to the protest is the Vice-Chancellor of the 21st-century University, Prof. Olugbenga Ige while addressing the students protesting advised the students to stage and maintain a peaceful protest as their agitations have been heard by the State Government and immediate measures will be taken to stop the reoccurrence.

The adept Professor who was spotted at the protest scene of where a barricade was erected assured the 'mourning students' that the movement of heavy trucks will be restricted following the directive of the Ondo State Government.

"No trailer will pass through this road again and the barricade will not be opened for anybody. The State Governor is aware of this and we are going to sign a memorandum of understanding. Demonstrating your grievances as students in a peaceful manner is good and acceptable," he added.

The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu having received the message, responded to the student's protest through a statement duly signed by the State's Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde.

“On several occasions, I have visited Akungba Akoko on the heels of incessant accidents. As part of our temporary solution to the situation, a barricade was mounted. It was expected that no heavy-duty vehicle would ply that road again. However, we have received reports that some residents of the town open this barricade for heavy-duty trucks to pass for a token"

The Governor however warned all community leaders and other residents of the town to desist from flaunting the Governor's directive by opening the barricade for plying of trucks and he further assured that the construction of the bad portion of the road will commence in no distance time as the design for the road is ready.

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New Year: AAUA VC Urges Staff’s Commitment, Assures better Welfarism

"We are just starting the project of building the AAUA of our dream"

Friday Omosola

The Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Professor Olugbenga Ige, has assured the staff of the institution of adequate welfarism as well as urging them to be more committed, devoted, focused, and steadfast for the fulfillment of the new year expectations.

Prof. Ige made the call to a Prayer Programme for the new year 2022.

He said, “Let me assure you, our dear staff, that we will continue to do our best to make your welfare a priority as possible as we can. I, therefore, call on you all to remain committed, steadfast, focused, and dutiful such that our expectations for the New Year and beyond would come to fruition.” 

While congratulating the staff on the triumph over the challenging year 2021; thanking God for counting them worthy to witness the year 2022, the adept Professor noted that there was no doubt, that the outgone year was not without its numerous challenges which is crystal clear most especially in terms of payment of salaries; research efforts; infrastructure development and community services. 

He affirmed that the 2021 experiences have helped to restyle the mode of operations in such a way that will enable the institution to intensify some of its strategies, ideas, and concepts that are needed in the growth and development of the University.

He added that all hands should on deck to take the University to greater heights, letting out, “As I have said at different fora, I want you to know that we are just starting the project of building the AAUA of our dream. As a university and a new administration, we, once again, invite you all to join the endeavor of repositioning our university, while we put our eyes on the future which begins now.”

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