CCF Enthrones New Leaders

By Eniola Akinwumi-Niyi

The Christ Communicator Fellowship (CCF), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA) chapter, has inaugurated new executives for the 2024/2025 academic session.

Covenant Omolere handed over leadership to the new executives during the event, which was held on Friday at the Mass Communication Relaxation Center (MRC). 

This marked a new chapter for the Mass Communication departmental fellowship as Sister Ezekiel Promise Deborah was inaugurated as President, Brother Ilori Israel Tijesu as Vice President, and Sister Adeniran Sunmisola as the General Secretary/Welfare Coordinator.

The handing-over ceremony began with a powerful worship session, including prayers, testimony, and a sermon, where Brother Timothy Oyewunmi, President of the Faculty of Social Sciences Fellowship, urged the congregation to always trust God for strength and wisdom in his sermon.

A lecturer from the department, Dr. Adinlewa Toyin, inaugurated the new executives and admonished them to strive for excellence and do more for God.

The outgoing President, Omolere Covenant implored the new leaders to move closer to God and value leadership lessons. "Depend on God, work in unity, and be committed, as these are the key factors to becoming a successful leader," he said.

Omolere further urged them not to see the position as a title but as a responsibility that requires great commitment, passion, and dedication.

The newly inaugurated Vice President, Brother Ilori Israel, promised to lead the fellowship with vision, passion, and dedication on behalf of the president.

"We will work in synergy with other executives to take Christ Communicator to achieve a common goal, which is to bring men to the knowledge of God in our department.

"We will continue from where the past tenure ended and ensure that the glory of the latter surpasses the former, as we will be working with passion and commitment," Brother Israel said, “We hope to make a positive impact by relying on the Holy Spirit's guidance and trusting God to direct students to join the fellowship more."

The Christ Communicator Fellowship is a spiritual body of the Mass Communication department dedicated to promoting Christian values and effective communication.

Other newly inaugurated executives include Bro. Jeremiah Adinnu, (Organizing Coordinator and Public Relations Officer); Bro. Eniola Amadu,(Bible Study Coordinator); Sis. Oluwadarasimi Adekunle(Drama Coordinator); Sis. Precious Babalola(Music Director); Sis. Precious Orundunyi(Assistant Music Director) and Sis. Olayinka Aiyenero(Treasurer).

The immediate past executives also include Omolere Covenant, (President); Awojobi Oluwatimilehin, (Vice President); Akande Oluwanifemi, (General Secretary); Aladejana Rasheed, (Bible Coordinator); Adetula Josephine, (Drama Coordinator); Oyolola Samuel, (PRO); Folagbade Greatness,(Assistant PRO); Molik Adijat,(Music Director); Babalola Precious,(Assistant Music Director), Adekunle Oluwadarasimi,(Assistant Drama Coordinator), Agbi Oluwafunmilayo,(Financial Secretary and Treasurer).

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Stand for Justice - Prof. Gbore Urges AAUA Students

By Mercy Musa and Gbonjubola Olanrewaju

The Student Judicial Council at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), held its annual summit at the Nelson Mandela Hall on Friday. 

The summit aimed to advocate for balanced equity and efficiency in a complex world using the scale of justice. The event highlighted the importance of fairness and justice in all court cases, regardless of the individuals involved.

Speaking at the event, the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of AAUA and current Vice Chancellor of Sam Maris University, Professor Francis Gbore, emphasised that justice in society is crucial to maintaining social order. 

"Balancing equity with efficiency is about ensuring fairness and practical solutions," Prof. Gbore said. "Equity is ensuring individuals receive what they deserve, and the scale of justice has to be put in the proper way to protect the vulnerable and maintain social order. Always be an advocate for justice."

In an interview with Echo Media, Prof. Gbore further stressed the importance of equity between students and management, emphasizing the need for both parties to act responsibly.

He advised campus journalists to accurately report on news related to the management and student bodies to avoid any unfair treatment of students by the school authority. 

Promoting equity through social justice, education, empowerment, healthcare, and finance can help build a free society, he added.

Prof. Gbore also emphasised the need to streamline procedures to align with the fast-paced nature of today's world, stating the importance of efficiency in the school system by eliminating unnecessary registration procedures for students and staff.

As the chief speaker, Prof. Gbore expressed his pleasure, saying, "I enjoy participating in law discussions due to my friendship with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)."

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Wole Soyinka at 90: AAUA Lecturer, Students Reflect

By: Mercy Igbekele

Professor Oluwole Akinwande Soyinka, popularly known as ‘Wole Soyinka’ a renowned Nigerian playwright, poet, and essayist, marks his 90th birthday today. This iconic figure has left an unforgettable impact on Nigeria, the globe and the literary world, and his life's work continues to inspire generations of writers, intellectuals, and activists. 

Wole Soyinka was born on July 13, 1934, in Abeokuta, Nigeria. He grew up in a family that valued education and the arts. He attended the University of Ibadan and later went on to study at the University of Leeds in England. These formative years laid the foundation for his writing career, which would span over six decades.

From his early plays like "The Lion and the Jewel" to his poetry collections like "Idanre and Other Poems," he has explored themes of identity, culture, politics, and human existence. His essays equally have been impactful, offering incisive commentary on Nigerian politics and society.

Soyinka's influence extends far beyond the literary world. He has inspired generations of writers, thinkers, and activists across the globe.

Students’ Reflection

As Prof. Soyinka celebrates his 90th birthday, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko students have shared their thoughts, reflections and well-wishes.

Hammed Muhammed, a 200-level student of Mass Communication said he would like to grow more than Soyinka who is not only an icon, but also a herald of greatness.

He said, “Talking about the walk of life he decided to venture into, he not only secluded himself to writing alone but also makes his pen speak in other matters which are in one way or the other affecting the entire humanity, while this made him have won the Nobel prize on a platter of gold.”

He stressed that while emulating Soyinka's life, he has gained a lot of inspiration which has added significantly to his all-round development. “I held unto one of his quotes ‘I grew up in an atmosphere where words were an integral part of the culture’,” Muhammad quoted.

A student of Psychology at AAUA, Alexander Oluwafemi added that young ones can emulate the passion, consistency and eagerness of this great iconic figure.

“From the first time I read (The Interpreters by Wole Soyinka 1965) I learnt about the traditional heritage as well as the neo-colonial mismanagement of Nigeria's post. I would have loved to be like Wole Soyinka but his energy, consistency and willpower are far away from this world” Oluwafemi said.

Another student, Adejumo Joshua, a 400-level student of Physics and Electronic Department noted that Soyinka's life stories motivate him to study hard.

“I also read ‘Death and the King's Horseman by Wole Soyinka". Although I couldn't complete the reading I learnt that in all ways, ensure you do good things to other people, be kind to them because you can predict the future,” Adejumo affirmed.

He added that Soyinka's outspoken advocacy for social justice and human rights is worth emulating, advising all to imbibe his consistent challenge to oppressive regimes, championing the causes of marginalised communities.

In an exclusive interview with Echo Media, a literature lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Dr Stephen Ajimisan stated that Soyinka's contribution to African and world literature is immense.

Ajimisan noted that Soyinka's work has had a profound impact on the literary landscape, citing his versatility as a poet, playwright, and dramatist.

“His contribution to African literature or world literature in English is immense,” he said. Every time he speaks about any national issue, the whole world has to stand and listen," he said.

When asked about advice for young artists and authors seeking to make a similar impact, Ajimisan emphasized the importance of determination, encouraging young people to strive to be the change they want to see.

"Wole Soyinka's rise from humble beginnings to global leadership is a motivation. A village boy can wake up someday from nobody to become somebody, to become a global leader,” Ajimisan advised.

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"How I Waited for My Boyfriend Who Never Returned"– 103-Year-Old Virgin

Mariam Hussein

By Our Reporter

Mariam Hussein, a 103-year-old virgin woman from Tanzania, has narrated a life story of how she met, fell in love, and waited for a white male boyfriend who never returned after his adventure to Tanzania.

Mariam spoke with Afrimax's English anchor, Simon Greenwood, in Swahili (translated to English) recently, saying: "I met John, a young white man from Europe who came to Tanzania in search of adventure and purpose. I helped him navigate and settle into his new environment. Over time, our friendship blossomed into something more. He was unlike anyone I had ever met. His manners, stories, and kindness fascinated me. He respected my culture and showed genuine interest in my life and aspirations," Mariam recalled.

"Our relationship blossomed and I found myself falling deeply in love every moment we spent together. It made my feelings for him grow stronger. I could see that he loved me too, his eyes sparkled with genuine affection whenever he looked at me and his actions always showed his care and commitment.

"I love him back wholeheartedly and unconditionally because, for the first time in my life, it was all about love in its purest form. We shared dreams, hopes, and secrets together, building an unbreakable bond. I also hoped that John would be the one to change my destiny. I dreamt that he may take me away from the life of struggle I had always known and experienced with him. I envisioned a future filled with endless possibilities, free from the hardship that had defined my past. He gave me hope that together we could build a new life full of love and happiness," the woman said.

She expressed her devastation: "I was devastated. I couldn't believe he had disappeared initially. I considered the possibility of it being a prank or a test of my patience. I searched high and low for John desperately hoping for an explanation, but he was nowhere to be found. Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, and still, there was no trace of him. Months turned into years, and yet I clung to believe that John would eventually return.

"I refused to accept the idea that he may not come back anytime soon. Despite the wonderful moments we had shared, I remained a virgin in our culture; it was expected that I preserve my purity until marriage. Having sex before marriage was considered a taboo, so I made it my priority to maintain my purity…," she noted.

Her cultural belief made her keep her virginity: "This cultural belief was deeply ingrained in me, and I took my commitment to it seriously. Even though I loved John deeply and we had an incredible bond, I remained steadfast in upholding this cultural value."

She hopes that "One day, we would be married, and my patience would be rewarded. However, as years went by, the hopes of his return began to fade, leaving me feeling both betrayed and alone. Nevertheless, I remained resolute in my promise to myself and my culture," she said.

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NUC Accredits 28 AAUA Programmes

By Our Reporter

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has accredited 28 programmes at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, AAUA.

The programmes were presented for review by the institution at the recent 2023 periodic accreditation exercise.

The Vice-Chancellor of AAUA, Prof. Olugbenga Ige disclosed this while speaking with members of the University Information Unit on Monday, June 10, 2024.

Prof. Ige congratulated all staff and students of the institution on this feat, calling for more efforts to sustain the rising profile of the institution among other universities.

“The significant success we achieved in the recent accreditation exercise is a testament to the collective efforts of all stakeholders, especially our staff and students. I sincerely appreciate all the hard work that went into this process,” he said.

While waiting for the official lists of the accredited programmes, the programmes are set to commence in the 2024/2025 academic sessions.

Accreditation exercises are periodic checks and peer review processes carried out by scholars and researchers chosen by the NUC.

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PNC AAUA Champions Environmental Sustainability

By Funmilayo Thomas

Celebrating World Environmental Day, the Plogging Nigeria Club (PNC) Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko Chapter, has advocated for a sustainable environment through cleanliness. 

The club's awareness program, held at the school's Old Relaxation Centre on Friday, emphasized the importance of environmental sustainability.

Attendees included representatives from AAUA campus initiatives such as Impact Leaders Club (ILC), Green Law Society, Enactus, and Campus Health and Environmental Safety Club (CHESC).

In an interview with Echo Media, the Head of PNC AAUA, Precious Kosomolate, said the event aimed to foster a sense of environmental sustainability in young people.

Kosomolate stressed that a passion for a clean environment, effective waste management, and sustainability can contribute to a healthful climate.

"We organized this awareness program to commemorate World Environment Day, promoting environmental sustainability among young minds and conducting a campus clean-up," she said.

Kosomolate urged students to prioritize a clean environment for a better life, warning that "an unclean and unhealthy environment poses a risk to our well-being”.

The event also featured an online webinar, awareness walk, and campus clean-up, aligning with the year's theme "Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience".

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Butterfly Club Sensitises AAUA Students On Lupus Disease

By Eniola Amadu & Funmilayo Thomas

The Butterfly Club, in conjunction with the Adekunle Ajasin University Students' Union, led by Boladale Olamide, has sensitised AAUA students on Lupus disease. 

The event, held at the school's Old Relaxation Centre yesterday, began with an awareness walk across the campus.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and damage to various tissues and organs in the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs. 

Common symptoms of Lupus include joint pain and swelling, hair loss, fever, chest pain, and abdominal pain, among others. 

According to experts, “If left untreated, Lupus can lead to serious complications, such as kidney damage, neurological problems, and an increased risk of infections. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent long-term damage.”

The programme coordinator, Ajayi Oluwabori, said the objective of the campaign is to create awareness, especially among youth, about Lupus, a critical health condition in society today.

"This program not only educates students about the disease but also empowers them to become advocates for those living with Lupus," she said.

In an interview with Echo Media, Islamiat Shodehinde said, "I wasn't aware of this Lupus disease, but now I know what it is, and I'd be glad to create awareness about it if I have the chance to do so."

Similarly, Asikhia Esther, a 400-level student in the Accounting Department, stressed that it was the first time she had heard about it, adding that it was an illness she got to know about through awareness.

Meanwhile, the event also saw activities such as music and dance, games, a butterfly club debut, seminars, and interactive sessions.

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