THE BEGINNING OF A NEW DAWN: A WELCOME ADDRESS

We are delighted to welcome students to another new session most especially distinguished gentlemen of the press.

All thanks to the almighty for keeping everyone save. The session has begun and a plain sheet has been given to everyone to use it the way they want- Some to the path of honour, some to the path of dishonour. It should be noted that this session is a very significant one. It is not only significant because it marks the beginning of a new academic session, but it is also significant because the Union will be celebrating her 30years anniversary. Although, journalism in the University of Ibadan has since started, as far back as the 1940s but what we are celebrating is the integration and institutionalisation of campus journalism in the University of Ibadan. Therefore, do not be deceived that campus journalism is new in the University; we pioneered campus journalism and gave other institutions the opportunity to ride on our back.

The Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ibadan since inception, has religiously performed the sacred role of being the conscience of the society (Campus) and will never jeopardise that for any reason. This is because the press being the fourth estate of the realm is expected to among other functions, inform, educate, entertain, enlighten, as well as perform the watchdog function in the society and that is why the Union will continually strive for a favourable atmosphere to dischargeDSC_6367 these journalistic duties. The Union is forever committed to seeking to further improve the welfare of her members and will not condole any ingenuity or unscrupulous elements to stand in the way of journalistic practice.

This administration has been working tirelessly to ensure a hitch-free session as well as further strengthening that platform that has brought every member of the press together. Even before the swearing-in, all hands have been on deck towards fulfilling the electioneering promises and also towards achieving the primary aims and objective of the Union. In the same vein, the 30th administration has embarked on major renovations in the Union’s secretariat. This is part of the plan to give the secretariat a new face in preparation for her 30th anniversary. Tangible steps have been taken to strengthen Local Press Ogranisations because we believe in a strong grassroot system. Other programmes will be unveiled during the course of the session. Also, UCJ Logo Challenge was launched; a winner has emerged and an award will be given at the UCJ Movie Night.

To all pressmen, this is another opportunity to perform the sacred role the society has bestowed on us. It therefore behoves all pressmen to be fully active in this regard In order to have a balanced society. Just like the mainstream system, the press in the University occupies a very significant position which has made inactivity a sheer act of irresponsibility. As part of the tradition of the Union, awards of recognition will be given to outstanding pressmen; this is to encourage hard work and reward total commitment to journalistic duties. However, beyond the recompense, it is safe to conclude that the ultimate goal is to make the society a better place through the power of the pen. In the same vein, the primary goal of being in the university is academics hence; it should not be substituted for any reason.

On the other hand, to fresh men who might be looking forward to becoming a member of the esteemed fourth estate, sales of forms would commence soon at the level of the faculty, department, hall and religious press organisations. The sales of form will culminate the beginning of the central induction process which will be done later this semester. We implore all Editors in Chief to be cooperative to make the planned joint induction a success.

It is indeed the beginning of a new dawn, not only for campus journalists but for all members in the University community. In sustaining the new dawn, the Union however pledge her continuous support to all Local Press Organisations to further facilitate a favourable ambience for journalistic practice. The 4R agenda is in the pipeline and would be made manifest soonest. Like my predecessor do say in the words of Henry Ford, whether we think we can or we think we cannot, in either way, we can never be wrong. Why not wake up to the call of entrenching intellectualism which is the core idea of studentship?

Happy Resumption!

Arowosafe Samuel

30th President, UCJUI

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