The induction ceremony of the Association of Campus Journalists, Obafemi Awolowo University, was held on Saturday, 22nd November, at AUD II. The event, themed ‘The Pen as a Tool for Public Trust: Guarding Truth, Telling Stories, Building Bylines,’ officially commenced at 10:45 a.m. with an opening prayer led by the General Secretary of the association, Matthew Ogunwale. Afterwards, the inductees introduced themselves, and the Great Ife Anthem was sung.
In her welcome address, the President of the association, Esther Olatimehin, described ACJ as a home that prioritises growth. According to her, ACJ OAU ensures that student leaders are accountable to their offices, and she formally welcomed the new members into the association. For the 2024/2025 academic session’s recruitment process, ACJOAU recruited and inducted 80 new members.
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Following the opening remarks, the guest speakers were introduced and invited to the high table. They included Mr Boluwatife Akinyemi, a Senior Reporter with the Nigerian Tribune; Mr Enouch Oyedibo, an Investigative Journalist and Chief Correspondent at African Handle; and Miss Busola Ayodele, an On-Air Personality at Great 94.5 FM.
Speakers Emphasise Journalistic Integrity
Mr Boluwatife Akinyemi’s session focused on the event’s theme. He began by explaining the concept of public trust and its relevance to journalism. He emphasised that one of the major responsibilities of a campus journalist is to provide accurate information, as the public relies on journalists for the truth. According to him, journalists must avoid sensationalism and bias; accuracy must never be compromised.
He noted that a reporter should not be lazy and does not always have to be the first to break the news. He stressed that it is better to be late and correct than first and wrong. He added that in the rush to publish, journalists must resist the urge to prioritise speed over accuracy if they wish to earn public trust. He further advised that facts must always be verified before publication.
Speaking on practising journalism in the current digital age, he highlighted the need for cross-checking information, especially at a time when bloggers and influencers dominate the media space. Statements should not be published blindly, and unclear statistics should be thoroughly investigated. He warned journalists to protect their independence, avoid inducements from lecturers or authorities, be assertive, and identify potential ethical pitfalls. Anything that cannot be verified, he said, must not be published.
Mr Akinyemi also encouraged journalists to focus on campus-oriented stories, as their contributions form a digital footprint and a legacy. He urged campus journalists to identify a beat and master it, and he emphasised the importance of consistent reading to improve writing. He concluded by acknowledging that journalism comes with pressure and mistakes that may cause doubt, but he encouraged the inductees not to give up. According to him, when a story changes a life, the pen becomes a tool of power and truth. He urged them to remain committed, assuring them that journalism is rewarding in the long run.
After his session, a short round of games was held. This was followed by the citation of the second guest speaker, Mr Enouch Oyedibo. During his session, he spoke on building bylines by going the extra mile and doing what others are not doing. He also discussed ‘guiding truth,’ which he divided into three categories: my truth, your truth, and the truth. While personal truths may be biased, the truth is the foundation of public trust and the bedrock of journalism.
Mr Oyedibo also spoke on the power of the pen, describing it as a catalyst for change. The pen, according to him, can build or destroy, and journalists must understand the weight of what they carry. He referenced his lecturer’s statement: ‘Journalists archive today and periscope tomorrow,’ describing it as a reflection of the power of journalism. He went on to explain what makes a story newsworthy and shared techniques for audience engagement.
Following his session, the citation of Miss Busola Ayodele was read, after which she took the stage. She discussed what journalism entails, the qualities of a good journalist, and emphasised that journalists must tell the truth without fear or shame.
After her session, a series of questions was taken and answered. The oath-taking ceremony then followed, and certificates were presented to the inductees. The event concluded with the presentation of an award to the overall best candidate in the recruitment examination, with Elemikan Blessed emerging as the top performer.