‘Operation Feed OAU Students Daily’: Great Ife Students’ Union Launches Free Meal Initiative

 By Odekunle Ayomide

In a bid to alleviate hunger and ensure academic focus among students, the Great Ife Students’ Union has unveiled the Operation Feed OAU Students Daily initiative. Spearheaded by the union's Welfare Officer, the program launched on Monday, November 25, 2024, aims to provide free meals to students during these challenging times when many struggle to meet basic needs.

The initiative, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), reflects the union’s commitment to student welfare and global standards.

In an interview with an OAUPeeps correspondent, A.Z., one of the contacts listed on the project’s flyer, explained that the initiative was born out of the current economic hardship in the country.
“Our target is Zero Hunger, SDG Goal 2. The major reason for this initiative is the economic situation of Nigeria,” he said.

To ensure the program's smooth implementation, the welfare officer and his team collaborate with campus food vendors. The vendors have agreed to participate by providing meals in exchange for increased publicity and advertising for their businesses.
“We reached out to different food vendors on campus, and most of them responded positively. Each vendor specified how many students they could feed at their convenience. It was a collaborative agreement without any compulsion,” A.Z. explained.

How the Initiative Works

Students interested in benefiting from the program have been directed to register online by providing details such as their name, department, faculty, matriculation number, phone number, and reasons for applying for the initiative.

While registration is ongoing, A.Z. revealed that there is a provisional allocation of 5,000 tickets to be distributed to registered students once registration closes.
“Each ticket is uniquely designed to prevent duplication. Every ticket has a specific number and signature. Once a ticket is signed, the corresponding name will be marked on the list, ensuring individuals cannot collect more than one ticket, even if they use multiple email addresses,” he explained.

To further enhance transparency, face recognition technology and other verification methods are being employed.
“We have a committee divided into teams for publicity, design, confirmation, verification, and slot allocation. This ensures the program is credible and benefits those who truly need it. That’s why we included a section for applicants to state their reasons for applying,” A.Z. added.

Further speaking, he explained that the union has planned a rotational schedule with vendors to avoid overburdening them. A.Z. emphasized that the initiative also benefits vendors by promoting their brands across campus.

“For instance, if a vendor offers five slots per week, we will ensure the schedule does not overwhelm them. The publicity they gain will also boost their businesses, making this a win-win arrangement,” A.Z. explained.

Student Reactions

The initiative has received widespread applause from students. Olamide, a Dramatic Arts student, described the program as “a splendid idea.” “This initiative helps us focus on our studies without worrying about feeding,” she said.

Another student, Tofunmi, highlighted its significance, stating, “Many students face food challenges. This initiative allows us to focus on our studies without worrying about what to eat. It also ensures we stay healthy and energized to carry out daily activities.”

Jesudarasimi, another student, praised the effort behind the initiative. “To a certain extent, this is a good initiative. Considering the economic situation, it will go a long way in solving problems for some individuals,” she said.

Grace, a Law student, commended the union for the thoughtful initiative. “When I saw it, I was impressed. This is great for less-privileged students who struggle to make ends meet. I have a friend whose parents can’t provide for her adequately, and this will help her a lot,” she said. However, Grace expressed scepticism about whether the initiative could cater to every less-privileged student on campus.

Despite her approval, Grace does not plan to register for the program. “I live with my parents and don’t need it because I’m feeding from home,” she explained.

OAU Medical Students Shine Brightly at 2024 Mega Designathon Event

By Ogunlana Klistivivi 

In a remarkable showcase of innovation and excellence, medical students from Obafemi Awolowo University have emerged as one of the winners of the 2024 Mega Designathon, held at the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Yaba, Lagos.

Organized by researchers from Washington State University, the University of Northern Carolina, and with support from the Lagos State Government, the four-day event aimed to harness the creative potential of youth in developing innovative, self-devised, and well-researched solutions to increasing vaccination uptake and promoting early screening for cervical cancer and HPV-related cancers, as well as Hepatitis B.

Out of over 140 Nigerian youths aged 19 to 24 participating in the event, the medical students from Obafemi Awolowo University distinguished themselves as second runners-up in the 4Communities and 4Mothers and Babies categories. Initially, each team, comprising of over 1000 applicants, submitted their ideas, after which the top 10 teams, comprising 140 participants were selected.

Subsequently, they engaged in a three-day workshop, which included training on human-centered design thinking approaches, panel sessions, mentorship sessions to assess feasibility and innovation of ideas, and the final day where they pitched their ideas to judges from diverse backgrounds.

The teams competed against nine others, pitching innovative solutions to promote HPV vaccination among girls and birth-dose hepatitis B vaccination for newborns in Nigeria.

Team Shield, comprising Akinmoladun Precious, Eshemokhai Okhesomi, Ibironke Bright, Akanni Shukrah, and Elufiloye Victoria, pitched on “How might we promote HPV vaccination among girls in Nigeria?” under the 4Communities Category. Meanwhile, Team Hexa, consisting of Olowoyeye Aishat, Akindele Boluwatife, Obaniyi Oluwatotele, and Ikotun Taofikat, pithched on “How might we promote birth-dose hepatitis B vaccination for newborns in Nigeria?” under the 4Mothers and Babies Category.

Their outstanding pitches earned them a cash prize of 300,000 Naira and an opportunity for a one-month boot camp later in the year, where they will collaborate with renowned medical researchers, policymakers, and others to refine their ideas.

Ibironke Bright, expressing her delight as being part of the winning team said “The Designathon was life changing for me. It gave me an opportunity to brainstorm and do something outside the typical school work. I also got the opportunity to network with a lot of great people. It was my first time doing such, and being part of the winners is landmark for me. In summary,  It was phenomenal.”

Olowoyeye Aishat, a member of Team Hexa, expressed enthusiasm for their project, highlighting its potential to make a meaningful impact in local communities. 

This achievement underscores the promising future of Nigerian youth in addressing critical healthcare challenges through innovation and collaboration.

Gunmen Attack: Great Ife Students' Union Reacts Swiftly

By Ifeoluwa Adegboyega (Ifelaw PR)

In a shocking turn of events, a group of armed assailants descended upon the Ooni Crownland Estate, popularly known as Damico, in Ile-Ife, Osun State during the early hours of Tuesday. This audacious attack targeted a significant number of Students' Union members who reside within the estate.

According to a press release, the armed intruders focused their attention on two hostels within the estate: Dominion and an unnamed hostel near E and E restaurant, a bustling central point in the community. Eyewitness accounts suggest that multiple students may have been involved in the robbery, with reports of sporadic gunfire adding to the chaos.

Several students were reportedly involved in the robbery attack as the gunmen shot sporadically during the operation.

It was reported that the robbers gained entry into the hostels at about 2:08 a.m., leaving residents of the community in a state of unrest.

The security breach occurred at approximately 2:08 AM, according to the press release, plunging the estate's residents into a state of panic and distress. In a commendable display of vigilance, the Central Executive Council (CEC) of the Students' Union swiftly alerted the relevant security authorities. This included notifying the Area Commander and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Moore Police Division, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of OAU Security, and the Quick Response Squad (QRS) of the University.

Thankfully, reports indicate that no lives were lost during this terrifying incident. However, one student sustained gunshot wounds during the ordeal. The injured student is currently receiving medical treatment and is expected to make a full recovery. The assailants reportedly fled the scene with stolen laptops and mobile phones.

Demonstrating a strong commitment to the welfare and safety of its members, the Students' Union leadership has pledged to engage with the Landlord Association of the estate and collaborate closely with the Police Department to address security concerns.

In conclusion, all union members are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities without delay. By working together, the Students' Union believes it can create a safer and more secure environment for everyone.

Breaking: OAU Sets Date For Returning Students Bed space Allocation

 

The Obafemi Awolowo University management has set a date for the allocation of bed space request for returning undergraduate students for the 2022/2023 academic session.

According to what was released on the eportal, the bed space request for returning undergraduate students will be activated on Monday 26th June 2023 by exactly 7pm. Therefore, returning Undergraduate students are expected to login into E-portal for the limited bed-spaces.

My Allegiance Is To Students Alone And I Will Never Bow To External Forces: GISU PRO

 

By Presh

The inauguration and swearing in ceremony  of the students'  union Officers held 8th of March,2022 at Afrika Amphi Theatre. students came to express their joy and celebrate with the newly inaugurated officers of the Students' Union.

Speaking to ACJOAU correspondent, the  PRO of the union Comrade Ogunperi Taofeek Olalekan, Tao said, "I contested because i recognized the fact that there's a communication gap between the University authority and the students and one of his agenda bridge the gap between the students and the University authority" 

The PRO  further said that he's working on communication channel from traditional one to the new media, to ensure students get information, not only promptly but correctly.  He also promised to give out correct information to students no matter the pressure or external influence either from the management or any body that may surround it as he called himself an "image maker" and can never and will never yield to external factors as his allegiance is to students alone. 

Speaking on the issue of dissemination of fake news, he said, "as the spread of fake news cannot be prevented,the best thing to do is to have an official website that can be trusted by the students to give out not accurate but prompt information" 

He also assured the students that has interest in broadcast journalism as mass communication seems to be an approved course on campus now,that if there is going to be a need to form an alliance with the school's radio station (Great FM) to help students grow in that platform and build up their career, he as the PRO would make it happen.

Speaking on the Great Ife Students' Union social media handles, the PRO said, "if not for the unfortunate incident of October 1st 2020, "i had already planned on releasing official handles of the union and was waiting for this moment even while waiting i still tried to do something, and the official handles of the Union will be released in couples of hours"

Speaking further on how he planned to work with ACJOAU he said , " I think i am the closest officer to ACJ because i am the PRO and i am going to be  the chairman of the press committee which  means he will be talking to the Press much more than anybody else". As an independent body on Campus, ACJ comes in as a partner in progress and working together officially is for progress and not to politicize ACJ in the dissemination of information from the union to the students.

Lastly, there is the usual tradition of giving out information to the students on campus which is the physical means of going to different halls of residence, the PRO promised to use numerous platforms to disseminate accurate information including the physical means as students would tend to trust them more if the information were been given out physically other than the virtual means though he would use both the digital and domestic channels of reaching out to the students. "We can't sit in Sub and project information, i have been meaning to go out and give official and physical announcement"