The Association of Campus Journalists at Obafemi Awolowo University (ACJOAU) celebrated a night of elegance and renewed purpose with the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of its newly elected officials, held alongside the Association’s annual dinner and awards night at the Faculty of Agriculture Foyer on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
The electoral committee chairman, Omosebi Stephen, led the executive members in taking their oaths of office.
In her inaugural address, Esther Olatimehin, a Part 4 student from the Department of English Language and former Vice President of the Association, expressed the significance of the moment. She reflected, “This is not just a personal achievement for me; it symbolises our shared belief that this Association can achieve more, do more, and grow stronger.”
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Esther acknowledged the responsibility that comes with the presidency. She stated, “To be trusted with this office is no small matter. I don’t take it lightly, and I appreciate each of you. Every conversation, idea, and challenge we have faced has brought us to this point, and now it’s time to build.”
She recognised the challenges ahead, noting that “leadership comes without a manual.” However, she assured her peers: “I promise to be present, intentional, and honest in my leadership. I will make mistakes, but I will own them, learn from them, and strive to do better.”
Esther emphasised that her administration would focus on meaningful work rather than seeking attention. She said, “We will prioritise making an impact over seeking applause, focusing on growth rather than ego.”
Addressing her fellow executive members, she thanked them for their service and expressed her desire to share the journey: “Let’s carry the weight as a united team, be bold when needed, wise when necessary, and always show kindness.”
To the members of the Association, she affirmed, “You are not just observers; you are part of the story we are writing together. We want to hear your ideas, frustrations, and hopes as we work towards building something we can all be proud of.”
Esther concluded her address by thanking her predecessors for their contributions: “Thank you for setting the pace, keeping the fire alive, and reminding us that journalism is not just about reporting but also about taking responsibility.”
As the new chapter begins, she asks for support from everyone involved: “Let us do the work, tell the stories that matter, and leave this place better than we found it.”
The newly sworn-in Executive Members are:
• Esther Olatimehin – President
• Mercy Ojegbola – Vice President
• Adedoyin Oguntade – Chairman, Guild of Editors
• Matthew Ogunwale – General Secretary
• Mercy Olabiyi – Financial Secretary
• Ebunoluwa Arifayan – Treasurer
• Olanrewaju Lawal – Public Relations Officer
• Jesuloba Akano – Assistant General Secretary
• Samuel Faseyitan – Librarian
Outstanding Members Awarded
To celebrate the efforts of members throughout the academic session, certificates were presented to those who actively served the Association, including volunteers at the International Campus Journalism Conference (ICJC), reporters, observers at the 2023/2024 Great Ife Students’ Union Elections, and the Electoral Committee of ACJOAU.
Awards of Excellence in various categories were presented to the following individuals and news agencies for their outstanding performance during the 2023/2024 administration:
• Best News Reporter – Ogunlana Klistivivi
• Best Entertainment Reporter – David Ojo
• Collaborative Reporter – Faseyitan Samuel
• Article Writer – Lawal Olanrewaju
• Best Sports Reporter – Matthew Ogunwale
• Upcoming Writer – Olamilekan Oluwatofunmi
• Best Politics Reporter – Adetunji Oluwafemi
• Best Features Writer – Ojo Mercy
• Best Lifestyle Journalist – Esther Olatimehin
• Most Promising Campus Journalist – Esther Olatunji
• Most Resourceful Member – Adeola Adeyemo
• Broadcaster of the Year – Mercy Ojegbola
• Voice-over Artist of the Year – Helen Abadoni
• Story of the Year – “Students Decry Deteriorating Pathway Between Akintola and Fajuyi Hall” by Faseyitan Samuel and Alowolodu Israel
• Documentary of the Year – “Meet the Only Female Bus Driver in OAU” by Great Ife Network & The Icons Organization
• Best Male Campus Journalist – Faseyitan Samuel
• Best Female Campus Journalist – Balogun Hairat
• Best Graduating Campus Journalist – Popoola Ifeoluwa
• Overall Best Campus Journalist – Faseyitan Samuel
• Best News Agency – The Icons Organization
• Best Executive Member – Oluwafemi Olabode
• Editor of the Year – Adeniran Tolulope