Tinubu launches military welfare fund, donates salaries as seed capital

By: Patience Ikuomola 

President Bola Tinubu has launched a military welfare fund, committing all his salaries since assuming office as seed capital for the initiative. He unveiled the fund on his 74th birthday, describing it as a support system for wounded soldiers and the families of fallen troops.

He directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, to open a dedicated account for the fund to ensure its proper administration.

The President explained that the scheme would provide direct financial assistance to military personnel injured in the line of duty, as well as widows, widowers and children of those who lost their lives while serving the country. 

He added that the fund was designed to complement existing insurance and welfare arrangements within the armed forces.

In a post on his official X account, Mr Tinubu called on state governors, members of the National Assembly, the private sector and other well-meaning Nigerians to contribute. 

He stressed that the initiative should not be viewed as charity, but as a shared national obligation to those safeguarding the country’s peace and security.

He also assured that details of the special account would be made public in due course, pledging transparency and accountability in the management of the fund.

Emphasising the sacrifices of the armed forces, the President declared: “This is not charity. It is duty. And we will fulfill it.”

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Aiyedatiwa begins ₦2.4bn gratuity payments to Ondo retirees

By: Patience Ikuomola 

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday commenced the disbursement of ₦2.4 billion in gratuities to retired public servants, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

Speaking at the Cocoa Conference Centre, the governor described the payment as a crucial move to restore dignity to pensioners and address long-standing arrears. 

He acknowledged the hardship many retirees had faced due to delayed benefits, stressing that retirement should offer comfort and stability, not anxiety.

“This is more than an administrative exercise; it is a moral responsibility to those who served the state with dedication,” he said, adding that his government would not politicise workers’ welfare. 

“Doing the right thing will always take precedence over convenience.”

Mr Aiyedatiwa revealed that the ₦2.4 billion had been approved to clear gratuity arrears for retirees from 2018 and 2019, despite competing financial pressures. 

He assured beneficiaries that plans were underway to settle outstanding payments as quickly as possible. 

He also encouraged senior citizens to enrol in the state’s subsidised health insurance scheme.

The Permanent Secretary of the Pension Transitional Department, Peter Akingbade, said 733 retirees would benefit from the exercise, including 391 from 2018 and 342 from 2019. 

He added that the government had earlier paid ₦1.01 billion in January 2026 to settle gratuities for retirees from 2015, 2016 and 2017 (Batch B).

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Adeleye Adebanjo, a 2018 retiree, expressed appreciation to the governor and prayed for his continued good health. 

Meanwhile, the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Johnson Osunyemi, praised the governor’s efforts, describing him as a “saviour of pensioners” in the state. 

He also noted that the administration had donated an 18-seater bus to the union in January.

The event drew several top government officials, including Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, who was represented by his deputy, Ololade Gbegudu; Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa; as well as members of the State Executive Council, permanent secretaries, political appointees and labour leaders.

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Tests, Exams Missed for Sports Won’t Hurt Students — Mayor'bless

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‎By Boluwatife Kehinde and Daniel Akinte

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‎Following his victory, Akanbi Oluwamayowa, popularly known as Mayor’bles, who was elected as the Sports Director of Adekunle Ajasin University for the 2025/2026 academic session under the Conservative Movement, shared his plans for his tenure and other key issues in an interview with ECHO Media.

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‎He secured 1,381 votes to defeat his opponent, Idowu Joshua, also known as Mastermind, who polled 1,327 votes.

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‎In his words, the 400-level student of the Sociology department, Mayor’bles, highlighted that athletes’ welfare will be a top priority, stressing the need to provide better support and improve their overall sporting experience in the university.

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‎He also addressed issues concerning female athletes, stating what they can expect under his leadership, among other things.

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The interview ultimately presents a clear picture of a tenure aimed at restructuring campus sports into a more supportive, accountable, and all-encompassing system.

‎What are the competitions lined up for the second semester? 

Well, we have the AAUA Freshers Cup, the AAUASU Game and the Unity Cup 2.0 coming up in the second semester.

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‎So, is the AAUASU Games a new competition?

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‎No, it is not new, but it hasn’t been held in the last few years. I want to bring it back.

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‎Is there any plan to continue the AAUA Sports Festival?

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‎I can’t guarantee that, but I can assure you that the 2.0 edition of the Unity Cup, which I started last semester, will hold.

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‎Is it just a football competition?

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‎The first edition was mainly football, but the second edition will cover major sports, if not all.

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‎What are the plans for female athletes on campus to give them more visibility?

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‎The idea is clear. Just like I said in my manifesto, I am not gender-biased. There are already plans in place for our female athletes during the Freshers Cup, AAUASU Games, and Unity Cup 2.0.

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‎As a Sports Director, what are the welfare plans for athletes representing the school?

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‎Welfare goes a long way. We plan to build a strong relationship with the Chief Head Coach and the Sports Unit. Also, we are seeking more sponsorship so athletes will not depend only on school funds.

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‎Is it true that athletes who miss tests because of competitions are not taken seriously by lecturers when they return? If yes, why? If not, what measures will be put in place?

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‎Any athlete who misses exams or tests because of competitions should reach out to the Sports Director. A complaint will be forwarded to Student Affairs so that proper action can be taken.

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‎What advice do you have for students who love sports but are afraid to participate because they don’t want to have a carryover?

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‎Academics should always come first. You must focus on your studies, because there is time for everything. There should be a proper balance between academics and sports.

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AAUA Students Lament Over Poor Organisation of SUG Election

By Similoluwa Ayibiowu and Olamide Iwala

Students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) have expressed dissatisfaction over the poor organisation of the 2026 Student Union Government (SUG) election. 

In an interview with Echo Media reporters, students who went out to vote described the process as disorganised and stressful.

A 400-level student of Economics department, Temiloluwa Opemipo, shared her experience at the election centre, noting that the exercise was disappointing.

According to her, the process lacked proper coordination, making it difficult for many students to vote smoothly.

Similarly, Obakpolor Adenike, a student of Allied Health Sciences, described the environment as chaotic.

“This place is too rowdy. It was so choked that I fainted. This is my third time of trying to go in. The election is very disorganised,” she said.

Catherina Oluketi, a 300-level student of the Biochemistry Department, also lamented the situation, “I have been here since morning and I have not been able to vote. The election was not properly planned; there is a lot of poor organisation,” she stated.

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Kiekie Emerges as AAUASU Vice President-Elect

By Boluwatife Kehinde

Kiekie, a candidate from the Faculty of Agriculture, secured 1,677 votes to defeat her opponent, Ella from the Faculty of Education, who polled 1,150 votes in the election.

The result was announced following the conclusion of voting during the 2026 AAUASU election held at the university’s designated voting centre.

Meanwhile, candidates who contested unopposed were also declared winners of their respective positions. They include Olasehinde Elijah (Assistant General Secretary), Adetunji Ayooluwatomi (Financial Secretary), Oluwafemi Olawanle (Treasurer), Agbooro Derek (Social Director), and Ayeyemi Gloria (Welfare Director).

The newly elected executives are expected to form part of the incoming student union administration for the 2025/2026 academic session.

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King Billz Tags 2026 AAUASU Election as Disorganized

By Echo Media Reporter

A former President of the Faculty of Social Sciences Students’ Association (SOSSA) at Adekunle Ajasin University, Ojo Cosmos, popularly known as King Billz, has described the 2026 Student Union Government election as chaotic and disorganized.

King Billz made this remark during a confrontation with the current Student Union President, Salami Akeem, popularly known as Ologbon, where he criticized the conduct of the election and called for order among students. 

While comparing previous elections with the just-concluded exercise, he stated that the 2024 AAUASU election was more structured and better organized than the 2026 edition.

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AAUA Decide ‘26: TomTom Wins PRO Seat

By Ayomide Oguntade

Omomowo Timileyin, popularly known as TomTom, has won the Public Relations Officer (PRO) seat in the 2026 Student Union Government election at Adekunle Ajasin University.

The election, which was held at the university’s CBT Centre, saw TomTom secure victory with 1,334 votes, defeating his opponent, Ademoluye Fisayo, popularly known as FizzyWealth, who polled 1,313 votes.

TomTom will serve in the administration of President-elect Folagbade Greatness Ayoola, who also emerged victorious in the presidential race during the same election.

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Mayor’bles Defeats Mastermind in AAUASU Election

By Boluwatife Kehinde

Akanbi Oluwamayowa, popularly known as Mayor’bles, has been elected as the Sports Director of the Student Union Government (SUG) at Adekunle Ajasin University for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Mayor’bles secured 1,381 votes to defeat his opponent, Idowu Joshua, popularly known as Mastermind, who polled 1,327 votes in the election.

The newly elected Sports Director is a 400-level Sociology student and previously served as the Sports Director of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The new SUG administration is expected to be inaugurated next week, marking the beginning of another leadership cycle in the university’s student union.

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AAUA Decide 26: Greatness Emerges as 23rd AAUASU President

By Gbonjubola Olanrewaju

Folagbede Greatness Ayoola, politically known as Greatness of AAUA, a student of the Department of Mass Communication, has emerged as the 23rd Students’ Union President of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.

The election was held at the university on Friday, March 13, 2025. The candidate secured victory after contesting against three other aspirants in what many students described as a competitive election. 

Greatness secured a total of 1142 votes to defeat the other contestants: Ogundana Oladele Innocent, known as Prince ( 1058 votes), Adisa Joshua, known as Pappi J ( 679 votes), and Akin-Ademola Emmanuel known as D’Real ( 83 votes)

The election process attracted significant attention within the university community, with students actively following the campaigns, debate and manifesto leading up to the voting day.

Following the announcement of the results, the president-elect’s supporters gathered to celebrate the victory fully hoping for the fulfillment of his pledge to prioritize the welfare and representation of students during his administration.

The 2026 student union election marks another transition in leadership at the university, as students look forward to a new administration expected to address key issues affecting the campus community.

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AAUA Decide: Fight Breaks out Between Faculties

By Gbonjubola Olanrewaju

Tension erupted among students at Adekunle Ajasin University as a disagreement between faculties led to a brief altercation during the ongoing AAUASU election process.

The situation reportedly began after the accreditation of voters was moved from the CBT centre to the university’s Multipurpose Hall (OBJ), prompting confusion among students who had earlier been instructed to proceed directly to the voting centre.

Some students alleged that the sudden change in procedure was deliberate and intended to frustrate voters.

“They are voting at the CBT while they asked us to move to OBJ to collect tally,” a student said during the incident.

Another student, a 300-level undergraduate, complained that certain faculty members were being restricted from entering the hall. “They are not allowing our faculty to enter,” the student said.

I am very disappointed, the system is messed up. They need to do better in the school. Why are you moving us up and down? Or should we start using the balloting system? Bring back polling unit according to department, a 400level law student says

However, Kingsley, who was assisting security officials at the venue, dismissed the claim, stating that students from all faculties were allowed entry as long as they used the designated entrance and presented proof of accreditation.

“All faculties are inside. You will be allowed as far as you come in through the first door and you have your accreditation evidence, which is your school fees receipt,” he explained.

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Big Sam Assures Proper Documentation of Decisions

By Mercy Musa 

Amos Oluwatimileyin Sediye, popularly known as Big Sam, vying for the position of AAUASU General Secretary has pledged to strengthen record keeping, establish a digital information hub and student feedback system ahead of the Students union’s forthcoming election.

“I will keep accurate records and meeting minutes so students can know what decisions are being made,” he said.

Big Sam, who is a 400 level student from the department of Public Administration at Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba, made these promises while presenting his manifesto during the AAUASU debate and manifesto session held earlier today, 12th March.

He stated that one of his priorities would be to properly organise the union’s documentation by keeping accurate records of meetings and decisions.

He also promised the creation of a digital information hub where students can easily access announcements, materials such as past questions and opportunities related to the union and campus activities.

According to him, the platform would serve as a central online space to improve communication between the student leadership and the students at large.

He further promised to introduce a student feedback system through suggestion boxes and online forms to allow students freely share ideas, complaints and possible solutions.

“I will introduce suggestion boxes and online forms where students can freely share ideas, complaints and solutions.” He said. 

Also, he pledged to coordinate an academic resource sharing platform where past examination questions and study materials would be made available to help students prepare better for examinations.

Addressing concerns about students who may not have access to mobile devices, he assured that information would still be made accessible to everyone.

“If you don’t have a phone, then we can televise it for you,” he said.

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D’REAL Pledges E-Library, New Hostels, Improved Security in AAUASU Presidential Bid

By Eniola Akinwumi-Niyi 

Akin-Ademola Emmanuel, a 400-level Law student and Mass Communication graduate of Set '22, popularly known on campus as Comrade D'REAL, has presented his manifesto to students as he contests for the position of AAUASU President in the 2025/2026 Adekunle Ajasin University Students' Union elections.

His manifesto opened with a quote from Niccolo Machiavelli and went on to address five major problems, which he called "agitations" that he said have held students back for too long.

Regarding learning conditions, D'REAL highlighted poor electricity supply, limited library facilities, and a lack of access to technology as issues that have made learning more challenging than it needs to be. He promised to request an e-library from the state government and work with management to provide devices and tools that will help students learn and research more effectively.

On the state of hostels and the lets on campus, he said his visits to student hostels, including the Franklin, which is Roosevelt Hostel meant for differently abled students, showed facilities that are in poor condition and urgently need attention. He promised to push for systemic maintenance of all hostels and create a feedback channel where students can report new needs as they arise.

D'REAL described the current housing situation as one driven by exploitation, expensive rents, poorly built structures, security risks, and no legal protection for students. 

"More hostels are needed and I will work toward this," he said, adding that he plans to engage the state government and the university management in bringing in private investors to build affordable and environmentally friendly hostels. 

He promises to push for more streetlights outside campus and stronger security vigilance from the state government. He also said he will work to improve the relationship between students and the host community, and bridge his office with the Attorney-General and the law clinic to help resolve student conflicts without unnecessary escalation.

He also promised to build an official website that will keep records, share updates, and connect students with alumni and past union presidents.

However, when asked about how he would ensure other executives such as the Vice President, General Secretary and other officers carry out their responsibilities, D'REAL drew a clear line.

“Hold every candidate accountable to fulfil their promises and report to the appropriate authority,” he said. “I am not a police officer.”

It was a response that was honest and eyebrow-raising, a man seeking the highest student office on campus, who in the same breath suggested that monitoring the performance of other elected executives should not rest solely on him.

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Greatness Pledges Commitment to Students’ Welfare

By Similoluwa Ayibiowu

Folagbade Greatness Ayoola, a student from the Department of Mass Communication and a candidate for the Student Union Presidency at Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), has stated that his administration will make sure no student feels abandoned or unheard.

The candidate, who is contesting alongside three other candidates politically known as Pappi J, Prince, and D’Real, made the statement while presenting his manifesto at the University’s multi-purpose hall, (OBJ) today, Thursday 12th, March 2025.

According to Greatness, leadership goes beyond holding positions, noting that it requires service, sacrifice, and the courage to defend the interests of the people.

While addressing the audience, he presented his five-point agenda, highlighting “top-notch student welfarism” as a major priority. He promised that his administration would prioritize policies and initiatives aimed at improving the everyday living conditions of students in AAUA.

He emphasized inclusivity and quality representation, assuring students that the Student Union under his leadership would truly reflect the collective will and interests of the student body.

Greatness further stressed the importance of strong advocacy, stating that the union would actively defend the rights and interests of students. In addition, he pledged to support initiatives that would help students achieve academic excellence.

He highlighted plans to create empowerment programmes, including workshops, entrepreneurial initiatives, career development sessions, mentorship opportunities, networking platforms, and professional guidance for students.

“I offer myself not as a perfect man, but as a prepared and passionate servant-leader ready to work with every student to move our union forward. Together, we can build a student union that prioritizes welfare, representation, advocacy, academic progress, and empowerment,” he said.

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AAUA Students React to Candidates Performance

By Ruth Joseph & Olamide Iwala

The Atmosphere is filled with mixed feelings as students react differently to the speeches of the aspirants at the 2026 debate and manifesto hearing of Adekunle Ajasin University Student Union Government candidates which was held at the Obasanjo multi-purpose hall (OBJ)

Reacting to the delivery manner of the aspirants, some students described them as “unprepared”, “rude”, and “unqualified”.

Oreoluwa Dada from the Faculty of Law said, "To be candid, no candidate is ready, this is my first time attending the manifesto, so it is very appalling to see people we want to elect into offices answer questions the way they did. Asking the financial secretary about transparency and accountability, he responds with, we have no right to access the financial reports or statement at the end of their tenure. It shows the lack of transparency. He hasn't been elected yet we can't even hold them accountable."

Speaking with a SUEC member who also commented on the delivery mannerisms of the aspirants, Mr. Ogunade Adebola Oluwakayode aka KayDivine said, "It could be because they haven't spoken to a large crowd like that before. I will say, what is needed on campus is an orientation for students towards participating in student unionism. If that can be inculcated into the orientation of the 100L students, maybe it will prepare lots of students for platforms like this. But then, since time immemorial, we have seen candidates perform woefully during debates so this is not the first." He added.

He made further comments on the effect this might have on the elections tomorrow and he is certain the supporters are very loyal.

In his words, "the truth is, this might not have an effect on their votes because their supporters are loyal, so whatever they do will not change their decision. Though for some percentage of voters, this will determine who they will vote for.

Overall the students are optimistic and in high spirits about what the outcome will be on the election day.

Simisola, 300- level also said, "We have seen that during campaigns on larger platforms, they make promises yet they fail. We hope these young ones will learn from the past and give the best service to their colleagues."

A 400-level student, Akogun Oluwole from the Mass Communication department expressed his satisfaction with the location and time.

According to him, “Compared to last year's manifesto and debate which was held at the Old RC, OBJ hall is more conducive and organized. There were enough seats for students to participate, know the aspirants, and relay their concerns.

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Social Director Aspirant, Derek, Promises ‘Ojude AAUA’

By Eniola Akinwumi-Niyi

Social Director aspirant, Agbooro Derek Olasunkanmi, a 400-level Health Education student, has promised to introduce “Ojude AAUA,” a cultural festival aimed at celebrating the diverse cultures within the university community.

Derek made this known while presenting his plans during the just concluded AAUASU 2026 debate, after being asked about the social initiatives he intends to implement for AAUAITES if elected.

According to him, the proposed event is designed to promote cultural diversity. He explained that the initiative forms part of a broader plan to reshape the university’s social scene.

The aspirant also highlighted what he described as a recurring issue within the Social Directorate “the mismanagement of facilities during campus events.” Derek stated that addressing this challenge would be one of the key priorities of his administration if elected.

“One of the major problems is that there is always mismanagement of the social facilities during events, and I can tell you I will handle it if elected,” he said.

Derek further noted that his agenda would focus on promoting cultural identity, improving event management, and creating opportunities for students to gain broader exposure through social programmes.

“I am experienced and I will know what to do about bringing international skills when the time comes,”

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