By AbdulRahman Adebayo
The Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ibadan held the 2021 edition of its annual Famous Five Awards on Saturday, September 18th at Trenchard Hall.
The event was incorporated to honour personalities who have contributed immensely in five different fields,
The five categories for this year’s award—politics, humanitarian services, journalism, academics, and entertainment—were won by Senator Fatai Buhari, Dr Jubril Abdul Malik, Fisayo Soyombo, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo and Mr. Segun Akinlolu (Beautiful Nubia) respectively.
In a statement to explain the rationale behind the selection of the awardee of each category, the Union explained that they are individuals who have a proven track record in their respective fields.
“Aside from his outstanding contributions on the floor of the House, Buhari is also widely respected for the facilitation of several landmark infrastructure projects, including the construction of ICT centres with standard CBT section in each of the zones in the 13 local government areas under his senatorial district. His numerous empowerment programmes as a lawmaker, and as a philanthropist through his BAF Foundation, has earned significant support at the grassroot level, earning himself the nickname ‘Omoluabi,’ — a man of integrity,” a representative of the Union who read the profile of the winner of the Politics category said.
While receiving the award, the lawmaker, who represents Oyo North senatorial district revealed that even though he has on numerous occasions turned down award offers, he could not resist one from campus journalists in the institution.
In the same vein, Mr. Jubril, who won the humanitarian services category, stated that he is grateful to the association for recognizing his organization’s contributions to the mental health of thousands of Nigerians.
Two of the inductees; Adebayo Abdulrahman and Tijani Abdulkabeer were presented cash prizes as the most active and second most active inductees respectively, while Lateefah Abdulganiyu and Kuffre Effiong were awarded for the outstanding performance in the entrance examinations.
‘We faced A lot Of Challenges’
Meanwhile, the Vice President (administration), Gloria Oladeji, has attributed the success of the Famous Five Awards/Induction to the unrelenting efforts of the union’s executives.
Gloria Oladeji, UCJ UI’s Vice President (Administration)
“Regardless of the several challenges, the UCJ UI 2021 Famous Five Awards/Induction ended well. While preparing for this day, we were faced with lots of barriers which ordinarily are capable of making us give up. Nevertheless, we thrived in this challenge through a great support system and the leadership of the President.”
“The success of this event cannot be counted without every individual who came through and filled in the gaps. The examination committee, the social committee, the FFA committee, the magazine committee and of course the 33rd executive council,” she said.
She also encouraged inductees to be active members of the union. “Take a look at the awardees, their current lifestyle didn’t just start counting outside, it started right from when they were in school,” she added.
