"Give Power to the Journalists..." Ibrahim Olarotimi Empowers Student Journalists

The International Campus Journalism Conference (ICJC) is the largest conference of student journalists in Nigeria, Africa. The conference was held at Ajose lecture theatre in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Osun state on the 1st of February, 2020. Many respectable and successful journalists like Ibrahim Shitta; a broadcast journalist from TVC, Michael Olatubosun; also a broadcast journalist from Splash FM, Oguntola Sunday, Mrs. Joke Fekumo, Ajala Samuel,  and Ibrahim Olarotimi Adeyemi; the national president of Association of Campus Journalists (ACJ) were present to speak about Journalism under "General Muhamadu Buhari". The anchor of the program started by saying that Section 22 was to "Give power to the Journalists" 

The program started by 11am as many students from different universities arrived. The program was anchored by Adejumo Kaabir. Mrs. Joke Fekumo, a senior legal adviser to SERAP opened the event with prayers. Soon,  the guests were introduced. The Ibrahim Olarotimi appreciated the organizers of the program in his opening speech. He noted that the national body has lots of plans for students journalists. 

After his speech, Mrs. Joke Fekumo, the senior legal adviser to SERAP (Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project was invited to the stage.  She exceeded her appreciation to the organisers of the program, also stating that SERAP comends the initiative as it is easy to put such conference together in a time when the media space in Nigeria is greatly suppressed. 

She said:

 "Journalists and mass media practitioners are referred to as support estate of the realm, the watch dog of the government and their jobs are provided for under the highest law of the land. That is the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Section 22 of the construction states that the press, radio, television and all agency of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objective contained in chapter 2 of the constitution and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people. Section 39 also states that every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression including freedom to hold opinion and to receive and impart ideas without interference."

She also implored all journals to work SMART. 

After this, there was a panel section where some panelist were called up and asked how they managed journalism under General Muhammadu Buhari. Mrs. Joke Fekumo and Oguntola Sunday handled the first section,  then Ibrahim Shitta and Michael Olatunbosun were the panelists called for second section. And finally there was another panel section that was aimed at teaching students journalists on how to balance journalism and academic work. 

Thereafter, the Editor of Opera News Hub stated that the winners of the Opera News contest would be anounced. The ceremony proceeded with the question and answer section where a lot of questions where answered. The ACJ conducted an handout as outgoing executives were Certificated.

The winners of the Opera News Hub contest were announced;

Winner - Agbaje Ayomide; #50,000

1st Runner Up - Peter Oyebamiji; #30,000

2nd Runner Up - Ajala Samuel;.  #20,000

The program was concluded by the ACJ president elect at 3pm. 

OAU Final Year Student Sentenced to Jail

By Emmanuel Dominic 

On Friday 31 January, 2020, the Justice Patricia Ajoku of a Federal High Court in Ibadan,  Oyo State sentenced a student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Orimolade, to four months imprisonment. He was reported to have defrauded an American citizen of 150 dollars. Orimolade commited this crime on the 28th of September 2019 in Ibadan,  Oyo State.

According to the prosecutor, Orimolade disguised as a US citizen to one American man, Nelisa Snell, that he was deeply in love with him through the internet. 

The evidence before Ajoku, made the court sentence Orimolade, and plea Bargain agreement he had with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

She said; 

 "I have considered the plea bargain agreement entered into by the convict as well as the provisions of Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA)  2015 in the judgement and I also consider the fact that Orimolade is a very young person preparing for his final exams at OAU and that he had shown great remorse,  However, to serve as a warning to others intending to engage in Cybercrime, Orimolade is sentenced to four months in prison and the sentence starts from the date he was first arrested and detained. All exhibits found in his possession are hereby, forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria ". 

Mr Austin Fadugba the defence counsel , prayed before the judgment of the court, and asked that the court temper justice with mercy in sentencing his client. 

Earlier, Counsel to the EFCC Ibadan zonal office, Mr Babatunde Sonoiki, had told the court of the count amended charge, the convict was facing, which was bordering on impersonation. 

 

OAU Official Resumption Date Confirmed

As promised, the Senate has decided and declared the resumption dates for both fresh and returning students. 

 Fresh students are to resume 22nd/23rd of February, 2020, while the returning undergraduates are to now resume on March 8, 2020 according to the proposed calendar. 

Information about the dates for registration is below. 

The 2019/2020 academic session is slated to end the 7th of December, 2020. 

OAUpeeps wishes all student happy

New Story - Solitude!

By Black Pen

I laughed so hard when Kunle sent me that nonsense WhatsApp sticker, with the inscription "That's why you are still a virgin". We had joked about me not having a girlfriend. I had always taken solace with my system and Google assistant. 

I knew he was a d*ck, but he knows just how to rub his love life in my face. This day, it got to me. It threw me off my feet. I had always abused myself, a way to insulate myself from other's judgment. I went offline instantly, casting my mind back to why and how my solitude started 

Secondary school in Ondo town was the highlight of my academics. I was what every good male student wanted to be. Smart, handsome, humorous, reserved, and of course, girls found me seducing. The eyes, the hair, the voice, the smart. Even myself would fall. 

None of the girls in class caught my fancy, they were sharp contrasts to my person, I wanted someone like me. But there was none in my class. none, till she came. Fair as a fairy tale. Voice like that of a nightingale. 

She was pretty, and instantly I felt a connection with her. The one I subconsciously get. Thinking of her made my heart warm - I technically feel the warmth. Writing stories made me feel characters and descriptions beyond sight, I feel touch right in my head. 

I live in a fantasy world of my own, processing every word and interpreting it to actual feelings, that elicit physical reactions. My hand got sweaty as she said "yes" when I asked that I just wanted to be her friend. 

Everyone wanted to be closer friends with the new girl, so I stepped back for the guys. Weeks past, I just looked from afar. We greeted when we met, talk the bit I could process, borrowed notes and went on to do me. 

But something had changed, I didn't get to enjoy the attention of other girls anymore. I suddenly lost interest in those I had been forcing myself to tease and converse with. I didn't know why. 

"Hey, you've been avoiding me for two weeks now" she asked

"Really? no, I haven't. Just didn't want to disturb you like the other guys did. " 

"Ok, we agreed to be friends, your presence is always what I look forward to"

My fantasy neuron kicked in, I gave a thousand meaning to her statement. The other guys saw they had no hope with her. The "early birds" shot shots, but all missed. I didn't shoot any shot, neither did I plan to, but here she was. 

I was happy she agreed to be friends. We closed from school together, took the school bus, seated beside one another, shared the cafeteria table. My guys resigned that we were dating. I was used to such scandals. My former school then was worse.

"I love you damola, I want to be your girlfriend" She said one day as we held hands out of the school. 

Instantly, I lost the grip on her hand. The sweat dried up, my skin thickened. My skin crawled. I didnt believe what I heard. I was in complete silence, not just for the day, but for the rest of the week. 

I had seen movies of people that loved and dated, they fought at the slightest chance. What wouldn't have caused a fight if they were just friends. The responsibility, the accountability, the...everything. 

I kept my distance from her. I just wanted to be friends, I was satisfied with just seeing her. So, I walked away. I could see her in class. that was enough. 

Seeing her didn't take long. "Paula is dead, damola" my friend ran into the class. He was coming from the staff room, he was the class rep. "She was traveling over the weekend with her father, the car had an accident. both are dead"

I lost me. Everything went cloudy. My heart felt ripped apart. I stared daily at her chair. My mind cast back to all the memories. To the few weeks we shared as intimate friends. All the life before she popped the question. 

I loved her, but didn't want to say. I wished she never asked that day. For the one week we were seperate after that, I longed for the perfect way to get back. 

I had seen videos on YouTube over the weekend. I found the perfect way to tell her that I loved her too. That I wanted to date her. That I wanted to just be more than friends. That I wanted to call her "sugar!". That I wanted to travel to California with her. 

I waited happily till Monday. Hoping that she'd come back to school. Monday came, but she never did. I should have told her when I had the chance. I should have cast away my worries and taken the bold step. 

But I took the cowards way out. I only want to date someone I am friends with, someone I can be friends with, not just a random girl. She became the friend, but I still failed her. 

If I had said it, if I had not been cowardly, she wouldn't have traveled on a Valentine Weekend. She would have stayed. It was all my fault. 

Now, I have the friends, but I still can't say "I love you" to the one I really do love. What if like me back then, she just wants to be friends and walk away like I did, If I say it. Being friends is better than the risk of losing the one I hold dear. Isn't it?

University Panel Declares Sex for Grade Lecturer Guilty

Earlier this year,  OAU made it to the media again on Sex for grade allegations against a lecturer of the Institution; Mr Olaleye Bisi ,by a student of International Relations Department; Miss Afolayan. Following the twitter hashtag #OAUTakeBisiOut, a University panel was set up, and it was headed by Prof. Yetunde Ajibade. Several meetings with all parties involved have been conducted separately, undergoing interrogations. All Media Houses and Citizens, who took to interest in the Case, waited patiently for the verdict of the University Panel.

In the early hours of the day, an informa

nt, notified the agency that the university panel set up by the Senate to investigate the sex for grade allegations against Mr. Olaleye Bisi, submitted its report this morning. The Chair of the Panel, in person of Prof. Yetunde Ajibade, Provost of the Post Graduate College, who led the 7 member Panel to the VC's Office, briefed the VC on its findings. 

Mr Olaleye Bisi was then found guilty as alleged and his dismissal recommended among many other sanctions. The report is to be processed to A & PC and other relevant organisations of the university within weeks. The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) already made contact with the University briefing on the matter. 

The History: Ojà(Market)

By Ganiyu Ayanniyi M.

The Yoruba ethnic group has proven to be a vast tribe with many brave historical achievements, culture and traditions, places, things of huge values which are well respected in the world. One of the things held in great esteem by the Yoruba tribe is its language. The Yoruba language has always been influential in different part of the world aside Nigeria, Benin republic, Togo. The language is well appreciated in Brazil, USA, Cuba and many other nations.

One of the important and famous daily used word by the speakers of the language is the word 'Ọjà' which means 'market', a place where day to day activities take place. Oja is a place where buying and selling occurs as well as the distribution of services in acquisition of funds or something lucrative in return.

It was gathered that native Yoruba tribe named a place that attracted people's attention. It was said that whenever there was a public fight or dispute especially during competitions, traders use the opportunity to sell their goods for long time till it gets to be constant. The name 'Ọjà' translates to 'It will fight or it fought'. Also, there is no authenticity of the story since the Yoruba history and other African's origin were orally passed at first place.

In the old, 'Ọjà' is a place where petty goods are mostly bought or sold such as peppers, yams, fishes, vegetables, Garri, Onions, tomatoes etc. and all these were done by barter (in exchange of something), later through spending of cowries as money. But now due to Europeans and other influences, different goods are sold in return of profit or something lucrative as well as different services are rendered. Goods to this effect include fridges, gas, TV, phones, computers, engines, clothes, shoes etc. without secluding food items too.

More so, it is good to recall that 'Ọjà' also means 'goods or commodity'. Some people also refer to 'Ọjà' as something 'illegal'. For example, Yoruba speakers say 'Awọn ọmọ ọlọja alẹ' which connotes 'Night workers'. The latter is mostly related to 'prostitutes or thieves' because thieves and prostitutes are believed to operate at the night. Speakers of Yoruba, especially the ones in the cities, say " Ọjà ti jẹ ẹ" meaning someone had been scammed by someone else or something.

Extendedly, the word 'Ọlọja' is an adjective that mainly qualifies all that relates with the word ''Ọjà''. It will be necessary to note that ''Òjá'' means ''wrapper'' (to tighten babies), 'Ò jáa' means 'He/She/It cut it' while 'Ó jà' means "He/She/It fought". It has been recorded also that the word 'Ọjà' can also be called ''Ibùsọ̀ / Ìsọ̀'' in Yoruba. For example, ''Ibùsọ̀ àwọn aláta'' meaning "the market-side of pepper sellers"

OAU Hosts the Maiden Version of The Royal Awards & Leadership Summit

By Emmanuel Dominic 

The Royal Awards & Leadership Summit is an event hosted by Royal African Young Leadership Forum in conjunction with the Ooni of Ife Global Outreach. The aim of the event is to award young and vibrant successful youths who have made it so that it can have impact in their respective fields/industries.

It took place on the 17th of January, 2020 at Oduduwa hall OAU campus.

The event was scheduled to begin by 11am, however, due to logistical hitches it kicked off by 12:04pm. The Public Relations Officer of OAU, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju and Mr Yinka were the Masters of Ceremony. They acknowledged how all activities on campus were on hold, due to the program, to honour the youths in Ife. 

The Traditional Chiefs and advisers to the King graced the ceremony with their presence in their glamorous white attires and beads embodiments. Many dignitaries like MC Lively, Woli Arole, Seyi Awolowo, Seun Fakorede, Daniel Otabor, Fola David, Yomi Casual, Habeeb Whyte, Seyi Olofinjana, Princess Adeniyi and many others were present as well. 

The ceremony proceeded with the appearance from MC Lively, Kays as they were acknowledged being. OAUpeeps News Agency and many reporters from different broadcasting stations including of Channels TV and AIT were present to cover the event.

The Ooni of Ife; his imperial majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) graced the hall with his presence by 12:44, in the most majestic cultural Yoruba beauty. He joined the high table with the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Nigeria, Minister for Youth and Sports, and the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University.

The national anthem, the anthem of United Arab Emirates and Ile-Ife anthem was exquisitely performed by Team Definition, in the fantastic way possible. Their performance was followed by the school anthem

Baba Aremu opened the ceremony with the prayers, then Tomisin Olawale did the welcome speech on behalf of the Majesty, he also apologized to the Majesty for starting the program late. 

However, 100 youths were enlisted for awards. Eyitope Kola Oyeneyin was given the first award by the Former Minister for Youth and Sport. Awards were granted to HRH Prince God's Will Edward, Sowemimo Abiodun, Ogundele sijibomi, Mr Akinola, Miss Adora, Relieve Team, Mr Ajebo, Mr Nelson, Shola Animasaun, Yomi Casual, Woli Arole, Abdul Lateef, Victor Ogbara, Pastor Usen J, Pastor Lazarus, Olumide Owo, Olufemi Emmanuel, Wole Sax,  Pamilerin, Akorede, Peter Osas, Lukman Sobo, Kenny Blaq, MD /CEO Sujimoto, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin; speaker of the  Oyo State House of Assembly, Barrister Chima, Mr Bello Bala Shagari; the Grandson of the former president, Hon Seun Fakorede, Dr. Gbadamosi Adefemi. 

An Artist who painted on stage, was awarded. He painted on a double board, he painted the Ooni of Ife on one side and the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Nigeria on the other side.

Jerry Mallo, the guy that made a sport Ferrari model car from the scratch also awarded after showing his inventions.

All awards were presented by the Former Minister for Youth and Sport, Vice Chancellor and the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Nigeria. 

During the event, the winner of Queen Moremi was awarded a Car and sum of 1 million naira. The first runner up got a sum of N750,000 and the second runner up got a sum of N500,000.

The event was indeed a gracious on as it came to an end at 4:02 after some of the awardees made short speeches to thank to the Ooni of Ife.

Photo Credit : EMI ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY