A SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE PRESIDENT, LATINWO GBOLAHAN JUBRIL, AT THE 2023 INDUCTION CEREMONY OF THE ASSOCIATION OF CAMPUS JOURNALISTS, OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY 

Good morning, esteemed guests, esteemed members of the Association of Campus Journalists, and our inductees. It is with great pleasure and honour that I stand before you today as we gather to celebrate a significant milestone in the journey of aspiring journalists within our revered institution.

Today, we are gathered under the theme, “The Power of Campus Journalism: Nurturing Tomorrow’s Media Leaders.” This theme, encapsulating the essence of our gathering, serves as a clarion call to all budding journalists, urging them to recognize the extraordinary influence and responsibility they bear in shaping the future of journalism, not just within the confines of our campus but in the broader scope of the Nigerian media space.

As we delve into the fabric of this theme, it’s crucial to dissect its components and understand their implications for our newly inducted members. The “Power of Campus Journalism” underscores the influence wielded by campus journalists, representing the voice and pulse of the academic community. It signifies the pivotal role these journalists play in disseminating information, fostering discourses, and challenging societal norms through the lens of unbiased and ethical reporting.

Furthermore, “Nurturing Tomorrow’s Media Leaders” underscores the significant responsibility incumbent upon us as an association to mold, guide, and empower the upcoming generation of journalists. 

I speak now to today’s inductees, you are not merely joining a student organization; you are embarking on a transformative journey that will shape your understanding, broaden your perspective, and arm you with the tools required to navigate the intricate terrain of journalism.

As the Association of Campus Journalists, OAU, we embrace our commitment to providing a conducive environment where burgeoning journalists can learn, grow, and innovate. Our objective is not confined to producing journalists; rather, it is to foster critical thinking, ethical reporting, and professional excellence.

Through mentorship programs, workshops, seminars, and hands-on experiences, we strive to instill in our members the values of objectivity, integrity, and accuracy, essential traits that define the ethos of responsible journalism.

Undoubtedly, the path to journalistic excellence is fraught with challenges. In a dynamic media space characterized by evolving technologies and shifting paradigms, you, our new  members, will encounter hurdles. However, these challenges present opportunities for growth and innovation. Embracing change, adapting to new methods, and honing one’s skills are crucial in navigating these uncharted territories.

In conclusion, dear inductees, I urge you to approach your entire time as members of the Association of Campus Journalists with diligence, curiosity, and unwavering commitment. Let your experiences here serve as stepping stones toward your aspirations in the media world. Embrace every opportunity to learn, to question, and to create. Remember, you are the architects of tomorrow’s narratives, and your role is pivotal in shaping the media landscape.

Once again, congratulations on your induction into ACJOAU. Together, let us embark on this journey to champion truth, uphold integrity, and contribute meaningfully to the field of journalism.

Thank you.

Welcome to ACJOAU!!

Gbolahan Jubril LATINWO. 

President, ACJOAU.