Adesola Ikulajolu and others win Campus Journalism Awards

Ikuajolu receiving his award on Saturday
 

Toluwalope Adebayo

In recognition of his diligence in campus journalism, the Supervising Editor of Echo Media, Adesola Ikulajolu has been named the Best Editor (online) at the 2020 Campus Journalism Awards

Ikulajolu, who is also the President of the Department of Mass Communication, was among the 16 winners awarded at the third edition of the event, on Saturday at Abuja.

Reacting to his win, Ikulajolu took his Facebook account to express his appreciation.

He said, “I’m grateful to God and everyone who is contributing to my growth.

“This doesn’t make me the best – it is only a path closer to do more for humanity especially the growing generations.

“This is a proof of how you all have been pushing me to do more.

“Everyone is a WINNER.”

Other award recipients of the year include:

Abiodun Jamiu from Uthman Danfodio University as Features Writer (Online),

Abdulhaleem Ishaq Ringim of ABU Zaria as Syndicated Writer;

Stephen Enoch from Bayero University Kano as – Broadcaster of the Year; 

Solomon Oladipupo of University of Lagos as Editor (Print Magazine);

Udeobasi Blessing from University of Nigeria, Nsukka as – News Reporter of the Year

Uthman Samad from Obafemi Awolowo University Ife as – Investigative Reporter.

Prince Innocent – Social Media Influencer from Federal University Utuoke,

Ileyemi Mariam Omotoyosi – Photojournalist from Lagos State University

The News Digest Press – Pen club from Uthman Danfodio University Sokoto, 

Kafilat Taiwo – Gender Equality from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta, 

Victoria Ifeolu – Book Author from the American University of Nigeria and

Adeyinka Ademola Abdulrasheed – Development Reporter from Poly Ibadan. 

Yusuf Mutiu – Sports Writer from University of Ilorin,

Mohammed Dahiru Lawal – Features Writer (Print) from Bayero University of Kano

Mohammed Yakubu – Upcoming Writer – Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai.

The Campus Journalism Awards is a yearly event organized by Youths Digest Magazine, Publishers of News Digest Online Newspaper, to celebrate outstanding campus journalists.

In this year's edition, there were over 266 entries from about 50 Institutions from across the country with 30 finalists, 15 Awardees, and an overall Campus Journalist of the year.

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AAUA PROFESSOR, ABOLUWOYE DIES AT 58

Toluwalope Adebayo

A Professor of the Department of Chemistry at Adekunle Ajasin University, Christopher Aboluwoye is dead.

The Don, who recently lost his mother,  reportedly died of an illness on Thursday at UNIMED Teaching Hospital, Ondo.

The deceased started work at Adekunle Ajasin University in 1989, and became an associate professor in 1998. He later got appointed as a Professor in 2013, and served as the Dean of the Faculty of Science for four years.

He also delivered the varsity's 3rd inaugural lecture, with the title "Chemistry on Earth As It Is In Heaven".

Until his death, the Aboluwoye was a member of the University Governing Council.

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COVID19: NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT IS SUFFERING FROM IGNORANCE

 Friday Omosola

 Is self-isolation the best for Nigeria at the moment? Let’s look at its effects on the citizens._

It's no longer news that COVID-19 is a pandemic which has sent many to early graves and left a large number of people in pitiable states across the globe.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus in Nigeria, the government has spoken about proactive measures taken to contain the pandemic on local and international television stations and newspapers. Sadly, the measures taken by the government aren't the solution to curbing the spread of this virus in Nigeria.

Of a truth, self-isolation and social-distancing in Nigeria can be best described as the act of using hard drugs to cure malaria. This is because, Nigerians live from hand to mouth, and most of us get our daily meals from our day-to-day activities (hustle).

The practice of social-distancing and self-isolation against COVID-19 was originated by the Europeans government, who figured it as the best measures they can take to prevent more citizens from contracting the virus. This must have followed one or two comprehensive analysis together.
On the other hand, China didn’t enforce social-distancing and self-isolation amongst its citizens. Rather, they had their citizens quarantined by force, because that is what can work for them at the moment.

Apparently, when coronavirus spread to Europe, the European government looked at their societies and came up with the decision of social-distancing and self-isolation, because they understood that is the approach what will help their citizens. Let me remind you that European countries don't have communities that are without water like Nigeria, they don’t have communities without hospitals, they don't live in face-me-I-face-you-houses, some of the homeless are housed in government reserved shelters.

European countries don't have slums like where most people live in Aba, Lagos, Calabar, Onitsha etc, with gutters and shanties here and there. They don't have communities without free water and electricity. Thus, self-isolation appears easy.

Sometimes, it appears we think more intelligently than our leaders, but this is not the case; they equally know what we know. Talking about telling the truth, they have refused to tell citizens and will never tell what the truth is. This is because they benefit more from shroud politics and fraudulent leadership, which by all means makes them appear unintelligent.

 Unfortunately, we as citizens have not helped matters, because we appear to be uninformed as to what our rights are and how to demand for them.

Ordering the closure of markets and restricting movements without providing sustainable funds is wicked. You think you are preventing us from being killed by the virus, but no, you are leaving us to die in the hands of hunger. We buy water to survive, some people don't even have money to buy water. It is worthy of note that the European countries that ordered their citizens to self- isolate have made available funds to help them survive in the face of this pandemic.

In Nigeria, our medical practitioners and politicians are ringing “self-isolation and social-distancing” in our ears, but how will many Nigerians survive 2 weeks without hustling and going to the streets to find their daily bread?
By forcing Nigerians to self-isolate without putting anything in their pockets, the government is only asking Nigerians to choose between death by COVID-19 or death by hunger. How have they saved us by this? This is not a response peculiar to our society.

Before they ordered the lockdown in affected states, did the government take into consideration what people living in the rural areas of the states will pass through as a result of their decision? How do they expect us to survive without food?
Nigerian leaders should be creative and stop the act of copy-cat. This is why we have remained subordinates to the white;  depending on them for everything.

In disbelief, Nigerian leaders give themselves the best in this world. They ride in the best cars, wear the best clothes,  live in the best houses, access the best hospitals in the world, have the best security, send their children to the best schools in the world. They give themselves world-class services with our commonwealth, while leaving those that gave them the mandate to serve in abject poverty and suffering.

Thankfully, It isn't past the time for us to wake from our slumber and sleep, and fight for our rights. Who said that we don’t have the right to demand for the best services from them? Who taught us that we don't deserve to ask them for world-class services?

How are we going to sustain families during this self-isolation period If the situation gets too tough? This is the window period to think!! My people, we shouldn't let it hit us before we plan for it.

America with the lowest level of poverty is supporting its citizens with a specific sum of money, but our leaders are comfortable isolating us without food.

Say no to self-isolation without a sum of money to support the citizens.

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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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