The Nnamdi Azikwe Hall Press Organization is located in the University of Ibadan. In Zikpress, we are committed to playing our role as the watchdog over the political activities of both the Zik Hall government and the University of Ibadan Students Union (UISU) with our pen of truth constantly wielded in valor.
As an organization under umbrella of the Union of Campus Journalists, UI (UCJ'UI), we are committed to not only penning the truth about Zik Hall, but to the whole U.I and beyond.
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
Zik Hall trains at night ahead of Inter-Hall Competition
Ahead of the upcoming Inter-Hall football fixtures against Kuti Hall, Zik Hall organizes the first-ever night training session.
On Friday, 3rd September, Zik Hall will be clashing with Kuti Hall in the second fixture of the Inter-hall Football Competition scheduled to start on the same day. The inter-hall tournament comes ahead of the pre-scheduled inter-faculty games, which come up later in September.
In preparations, team members of the Zik Hall football squad held their first training session tonight under floodlights at Maracana. Kester Tomiwa, a member of the coaching crew stressed the need to have such training sessions as there is little time for preparations, taking into account concurrent preparation arrangements for the Inter-faculty games.
Speaking on the team’s preparedness, Kester made clear intentions to arrange regular training without leaving doubts on holding subsequent night sessions. Facilitating this novelty, a temporary installment of floodlights at Maracana is being arranged while hopes for permanent facilities are expected.
Peter Akande, the Minister for Sports while commenting on the level of preparation stated that “We are ready physically and mentally for this competition and we won’t allow the previous mistakes which were made by our ancestors to repeat itself“
Zikites are encouraged to show massive support on Friday, 4:00 pm, at SUB field in the showdown against Kuti Hall.
Invest in shoes. You can never have too many shoes.
While a regular dressing would make you want to dress in your shirt well tucked in and your tie properly placed, a classic man would never joke about his Italian leather shoe. They give you the power and make you feel good lifting your feet off the ground. You might not be able to afford Dsquared2- thick sole, Prada, Givenchy, etc. However, maintain a good taste in shoes even if you are trying to be humble. You can never have too many shoes. And when you have many shoes, remember a new design is going to seduce you.
NB: Match your shoe with your belt.
Be Dynamic
Being a classic man is more than just your suit and tie. As a classic man, you must be able to switch from being a dope gangster to a CEO without losing a single touch of your flame. You need to be able to sell whatever it is that belongs to you. Do you ever wonder how that guy on your floor or class appears dope whether he’s dressing to go for class or whether he’s dressing for a casual stroll? It’s that ability to make your choice of wear a wow every single time you step out.
Never forget your wristwatch
In all your dealing never ever ever forget to put on your wristwatch. Dress up yourself and stand in front of the mirror. Check the difference between how you look with the wristwatch on and without. The wristwatch adds a taste of class to your being. It gives the impression that you care about your time. Time is money and a classic man would never give you his time unless he knows it’s going to be productive. I repeat, never forget your wristwatch.
Know your designers
In your quest to be soft, know who is who in the designer game. Know about the owner of the brand you own. It gives you leverage. It gives you the idea of the inspiration behind your favorite cloth and why you love them so much.
NB: Never combine different designers. It’s a sin against God and man. Never put a Gucci together with Vuitton. Don’t. Never use a Nike with Jordan.
Always smell nice.
Have you ever walked past anyone and wonder how they are not suffocated by the mighty odor coming from them? Creepy right? I’ve been there. Have you ever felt attracted to someone just because they smell nice? I have. The night I had my first kiss was triggered because she smelled so wonderful. I had to remind her every minute how attracted I was to her just because she smells nice. This same thing applies to you as a classic man. Make yourself attractive to sight ( those who can see you) and to those who can’t see you (draw attention) so that they get curious to know who it is. Smell nice.
You can be me when you keep these rules ‘cause I’m a classic man
The University of Ibadan Sports Council has recently published the football game fixtures for the Inter-Faculty games scheduled to hold in September. The competition which ordinarily should hold in the next session was scheduled for the 2021/22 session in lieu of the Inter-hall games. The match fixtures extend over the period from the 11th to the 23rd of September when the finals will be played.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS AHEAD OF COSTARICA 2022 AS NIGERIA GAINS AFRICA'S TOP
SPOT IN FIFA WOMEN'S RANKING
In preparation for the African qualifier rounds of the 2022 U-20 women’s world cup, Nigeria’s Falconets camps at Abuja training ground.
As at the 17th of August, 27 team members of the Falconets had arrived at Abuja in preparation for Costarica 2022 African qualifiers. Falconets’ Head coach, Christopher Danjuma stated that 35 players were invited for the tournament and 8 players were still expected to fill up the number.
The upcoming U-20 women’s world cup marks the 10th edition of the sort. Nigeria has faired considerably in the past nine editions having finished as runners-up twice and reached quarter-finals stage on four occasions, including the immediate past edition in 2018.
The Falconets have been drawn against the Central African Republic (CAR) in the second round of the African qualifier stage. Danjuma has however reiterated the team’s preparedness emphasizing that squad members have been maintaining top performances in their different clubs both at homee and abroad.
Interestingly, Nigeria’s Falconets may unsurprisingly pull off a stellar performance at the upcoming African qualifier rounds given its top spot on Fifa’s women ranking in Africa. The Fifa ranking released back in April however places Nigeria in a static position in the world, dropping one place from 37th to 38th. Expectations however remain high for Nigeria in the African campaign of Costarica 2022’s qualifier rounds.
PAUL KAGAME’S TWEETS AND A SAGA OF ARSENAL’S ON AND OFF PITCH DRUBBINGS
In a classic example of national investment frustrations meeting consistent fan disappointment, Paul Kagame, Rwandan President, could not contain his resentful feelings for Arsenal Football Club’s unrelenting association with top-flight football embarrassment. Following Arsenal’s shellacking at the hands of Brentford a recently promoted club, Kagame couldn’t keep mum after the 2-nil shocking defeat and took to venting on the ‘bird’ app. Perhaps it is due to the simple fact that he was dismayed by his team’s humiliating loss, which of course every other Arsenal fan attests to, from a club side that had missed out of EPL for 74 years, or other reasons that cut across the national interest. The latter seems quite the case.
If you watch football well enough you would have noticed that Arsenal’s jersey’s left sleeve features, “Visit Rwanda” (surely Arsenal fans wouldn’t miss that). Well back in 2018, Arsenal and Rwanda signed a sponsorship deal to drive the African country’s tourism sector. Fast forward to 2021, Arsenal and Rwanda renewed that deal which is reportedly valued at 30million pounds. Now you can wrap your mind around that huge sum and wonder what Kagame would have been thinking when Arsenal lost to Brentford. The Gunners’ left sleeve might be the last thing any potential tourist is worrying about. Not surprisingly, the Rwandan President dished out these heated comments.
CHEMISTRY WINS 2021 EDITION OF 200 LEVEL SURVIVAL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
The 200 Level survival football tournament is an annual competition cutting across departments in UI. First launched in 2019, it was borne out of the desire to develop a networking spirit and a sense of belonging through sports among 200 level students. The tournament gains its essence as a non-divisional competition seeking a departure from the exclusive participation which characterizes the 100 level CBN cup.
The tournament is a brainchild of Olawale Joshua Babatunde, (OJB) a 300 level student of the Department of Sociology. Olawale, who is currently the Sport Secretary for the faculty of Social Sciences conceived the idea while in 100 level and with the cooperative efforts of his team organized the first edition in 2019.
The 2019 edition was won by MLS/physiology, with Arts and Social Sciences Education as runners-up. CLA/Classics came third after defeating Sociology in a penalty shoot-out. Dotun from Arts and Social sciences education clinched the record of highest goal scorer for his runner-up team at the end of the 2019 edition.
In the 2021 edition, which began on the 8th of August and came to an end on Friday, 20th of August, Chemistry finished victorious after defeating IPE in the finals. Psychology/Statistics ended third while Sociology maintained their fourth position streak.
In this second series of ZikPress Finalist of the Week, we yet again meet with an elder statesman popular for his legendary involvement in footballing activities all through the University Community, although present circumstances have made him abruptly hang his boot, he shades lights into how being a Zikites has improved him in several ways. Enjoy!
Can we meet you?
My name is Adeniji-Kester Tomiwa popularly known as Kester. I’m a 500L student of the Faculty of Law and the immediate past Sports Minister of Nnamdi Azikwe Hall, University of Ibadan.
Your Educational Background?
I attended the University of Ibadan Staff School for my primary education after which I proceeded to The International School Ibadan (I.S.I.), University of Ibadan for my secondary education. I gained admission into the University of Ibadan after my secondary education in 2015.
Can you share with us your experience in Zik Hall so far?
My experience in Zik Hall has been great. Zik Hall has contributed a lot to my growth. My involvement in the sport committee and various other activities in the Hall has helped shaped me in many ways. Generally speaking, my experience in Zik Hall has been a great one.
Can you tell us briefly about your main contributions while in office as the Sport Secretary?
As I earlier stated, I was privileged to have been thought worthy by Zikites who elected me to the office of the Sports Minister.
Whilst I was in office, I was able to contribute a plethora of contributions, some of which include;
1. The Customary Freshers vs Stallites Match
2. A proposed Zik Hall Footballer League
3. The Annual Barrister Rotimi Alli Interfloor Football Competition
4. The first-ever Dr Adebiyi’s Health and Fitness Day
5. The Zik Hall Alumni Match
6. A PES Competition with cash prizes during the Hall week
7. Zik Hall vs Indy Hall friendly Match, among many others
Your Best Moments in Zik Hall?
My best moment in Zik Hall has to be during the 2018/2019 Barrister Rotimi Alli Interfloor Football competition. The support from the members of the sports committee and Zikites, in General, was amazing. The whole of Zik Hall was oozing Football and sports and it was a very nice time to have been the Sports Minister and most importantly, a Zikite.
Whose Administration will you say is still the best so far since you’ve been a resident of the Hall?
Without any element of bias or sentiment, I think the best Administration I have witnessed has to be the Otuoke led Impact and Tradition Administration
What specific things will you like this present Excos to do or improve on?
The present Excos in my opinion are trying their best, considering the situation of things in the school community and the Country at large. There are no specific areas I’d love them to improve upon. They’re doing outrageously well.
What Next after Graduation?
After Graduation, I’d probably venture into sports journalism and Sports law. We’d see how that works out.
List the Rooms you’ve stayed in the Hall?
100L – A46
200L – A45
300L – A18
400L – B16b
500L – D13
What is your Relationship Status?
In a relationship
Your Advice to Zikites?
My advice to Zikites would be for them to be the truest forms of themselves as possible. Zikisim is a bond that unifies Brothers within and outside the walls of the University community. Zikites are known for excellence, so we do what we do best; excel!
ZikPress interviews Ayozie Favour Uzoma of SHOP AKACHI, an Afrocentric ready-to-wear fashion line. Enjoy!
Can we meet you?
My name is Ayozie Favour Uzoma, a 200 level undergraduate law student of the University of Ibadan and a fashion enthusiast. I am the Creative Director of Shop Akachi, a small business towards growth.
Ayozie proudly rocking her craft
Tell us about your business venture.
My business, Shop Akachi, is an Afrocentric ready-to-wear fashion line. The goal is to create awareness of Africa’s culture and tradition through fashion, both nationally and internationally, a goal that is gradually in realization. You know how our African prints like Adire ,Ankara, kente, kitenge, aso oke , aso ofi etc are for particular days like Sunday and Friday or for “owambes”? With Shop Akachi, I infuse African fabrics to make comfortable, versatile, unique dresses for Queens. My business niche aims at catering for females irrespective of body size, age, social status and making individuals feel unique and independent. I am super excited about the growth process.
What are the lessons you have learned so far from your business engagement?
Entrepreneurship definitely is a journey. With my business, I have learnt a lot as regards interpersonal relationships, having to interact well with customers older and younger than I am is something my business has exposed me to. Financial responsibility is a lesson I am gradually learning from my business having to separate capital from profit from flex money.
What do you feel is the way forward for the incessant gender-based violence in the contemporary society?
Gender-based violence is a global pandemic that is gradually affecting our present world and it really cuts across both the female and male gender and it is everyone’s business.
Personally, I feel the most important agent of socialization is the family. To a large extent, we are all influenced by our family, therefore, conversations about gender and human right should be emphasized. We should speak towards challenging gender roles and challenging the traditional characteristics of roles assigned to males and females. For example, our Social Studies textbook in primary school has the role and responsibility of the “mother as being in the kitchen, nurturing the children, etc and the father providing for the family”.
In my opinion generally, if that works for certain families, that’s fine but that should not be regarded as the standard and the norm, and in situations where the roles are reversed, it becomes triggering.
I am of the opinion that we should not have set out roles and norms in our Changing world, we should be open to embracing change towards a better world. I feel like discussions as regards consent are so underrated, “Freely given, enthusiastic consent is mandatory, every time and should be expected from both genders at all times”.
We should hold each other accountable. Violence can take many forms, including sexual harassment in the workplace and in public spaces.
Individuals have to take a stand by calling it out when it’s seen. Catcalling, inappropriate sexual comments, Aro, and sexist jokes are never okay.
We all should work towards a safer environment for everyone by challenging our peers to reflect on their own behaviour and speak up when someone crosses the line.
Do you think extracurricular activities contribute greatly to students’ development on Campus?
In my opinion, extracurricular activities are advantageous and have their contributions towards the development of individuals. The tension in UI is something and extracurricular activities especially for persons involved in one sport or the other helps towards easing the tension. Lifelong skills, relationships and connections are also derived from involvement in extracurricular activities.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I am most definitely optimistic. My career goal includes successfully obtaining my undergraduate and master’s certificate and to have been called to the Nigerian Bar, practicing law, and doing the Lord’s work. I see myself being committed to growth, business, personal, spiritual, physical, etc.
In 10 years, my business, SHOP AKACHI should be thriving successfully through the years and being a recognized and respected brand. Creating job opportunities and being a part of individuals’ happy stories through fashion. Also, living the rich Aunty life hopefully married that kind thing…
Ayozie proudly rocking her craft
What do you do for fun?
Going out! To a certain extent, I like to say I am an “Ajala”. I sort and shop for African inspired fabric, try out new food hacks and spend time with friends
What comes to your mind when you hear “Zikites”?
Zik Hall has to be one of the bubbly male hostels in the University of Ibadan, popular for Zik’s cafe, popular for the extra and loud nature of Zik guys. It’s popular saying that the guys doing Aro are first-class students, I don’t know how true. I am not a subscriber of Aro. I feel it’s totally inappropriate but the gist is Zik hall has highly intelligent young men.
Do you have anything to say to Zikites?
If I could say anything to Zikites, I would say I am impressed with the new decision of the Executive Council by regulating the activities of Aro. That is a good step in line with reducing gender-based violence and creating a better and comfortable environment. Cheers to more growth.
Nigeria secured her independence from the British and got the chance to elect a Governor-General of her own for the first time since her inception. This event elicited feelings of joy and fulfillment amongst the Nigerian populace. Apparently, the hugely coveted position could not be occupied by just any mean man. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, a quintessential journalist, undauntedly stepped up to shoulder the responsibility of the nascent nation’s highest office. The charisma of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was such that it was during the course of his visit to the then newly established Hall of Residence at the University of Ibadan that the Hall began to bear his name. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s feat was nothing short of greatness, hence, the motto: The Quality of Greatness.
Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall residents are regarded as “Zikites” or better yet,”Lions of Baluba” for their uncanny bravery especially on matters that have a semblance of injustice, for instance, there is the popular saying that,”when Zik hall sneezes UI catches cold“, this means in essence that Zik Hall is often the fountainhead of major events that shake the University of Ibadan to its very foundation. In academics, Zik Hall also boasts of a colossal stature as he reportedly accounts for the highest number of first-class students. In politics, he is a potent force to reckon with, it is even widely said that having a Zikite as a rival in any election is almost tantamount to fighting a losing battle because of the strong bond of brotherhood amongst Zikites hinged on its numerical strength. The philosophy of “Zikism” has fast metamorphosed from a mere doctrine of oneness to a dogma by its adherents and proponents who are of course members of the hall. This quality that exudes greatness has made Zik Hall the envy of other halls of residence.
“The Quality of Greatness” – this motto sadly doesn’t rub off on the poor state of things of the Hall’s Secretariat, in fact, it is a parody of pride. While Zikites may be easily predicted to take pride in the spirit of Zikism, it is doubtful that it would be the same case with Hall’s secretariat. The secretariat is lackadaisically sprawled on an inconspicuous location as if it holds no significance. It is what any passer-by would take to be just any other room within the Hall. In fact, it is highly probable that Zikites do not realize it is Hall’s secretariat until concerns of the Hall are to be unknotted. This is most likely a consequence of the building being bereft of an inscription indicating its presence and purpose. This unfortunately is what has held sway for years with no priority for this necessity in sight.
The elements of Hall’s secretariat appear to have seen better days. The louver blades seem to have lost too many of its other comrades to casualties and seem to have given up on its essence. As if that is not enough, the window nets seem to be more than ready to retire as well, as a comely invitation to mosquitoes. The Air-conditioner looks like a perfect fit for a relic, the cushion chairs appear to scream for help.
The ailing situation of the secretariat is a cause for worry as it ought to be understood by all and sundry that the secretariat is the face of any organization owing to the fact that it serves as a place where pertinent issues are discussed as well as where meetings with important visitors of the Hall are likely to take place. Therefore, major players and stakeholders of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall are called upon to revive the greatness of the building by renovating the secretariat and giving it the glory it deserves.
AMALGAMATING THE ISSUES AT HAND: OF POLICY AND JUDICIAL COUNCIL
Nigeria has a lot of laws. Implementation has always been the problem. Oftentimes, it is the fact that there is no mechanism for implementation or the enforcers of the law are lackadaisical. The Aroism policy, as innovative as it is, might just end up being a useless piece of paper if proper process is not taken swiftly to make it legally enforceable. The leadership should not stick to enactments alone, there should be more orientation on what Zikism is truly about.
Zikism is wholly a spirit of excellence. Victor Odeka, a pioneer Zikite noted that he owes the spirit of excellence seen in his professional career and life and whatever he has achieved in life to the spirit he developed in Zik Hall. It is high time the current generation of Zikites kept the spirit burning instead of shenanigans that amount to nothing.
The Judiciary Arm got constituted following the inauguration of the new administration. The question is: what has been done by them so far? Yes! Zikites are aware of their existence but are they aware of their operations? Are they aware of how to seek redress when aggrieved? There are a lot of questions to ask the Judiciary Arm so far. When is the rule of the court coming? How understandable will it be to the Zik populace?
There is a way to make things work. There is a need for orientation on why the Judiciary is in existence. The Office of the Attorney-General has a role to play in propagating information on various operations of the third Arm. People are breaking provisions of the Constitution, what is the Attorney-General doing? Or else, year in, year out, all we will be having will be Judges and not justice because there will not be any case. Fingers are crossed to see the workability of the third arm. If nothing is done to fix things, the third arm will fade away in a short while.
Chaos erupted Thursday evening, 26th of August 2021, as a car crashes into a store in Zik Hall of Residence, damaging generator and furniture at the entrance of the store.
The car, a Toyota Camry 2007 model, which was driven by a student, moved backwards in reverse, ramming into the entrance of the stores, damaging almost everything on its path.
Although the crash was big, there was no account of life loss or injuries sustained in the course of the crash, as the car was slightly damaged in the event of the crash.
One of the stores affected was that of a man popularly known as Lagbaja, whose generator was damaged in the course of the accident. He was said to have been embittered, as he demanded a new generator because the generator was major equipment in his line of business as he uses to supply power in the absence of government-generated power.
An eye witness who was eating at the exact spot of the crash, a few minutes earlier, stated how God saved him as he could have easily been a victim of the crash, he stated that the driver in his attempt to reverse the car stepped on the gas which made him lose control of the car as it accelerated backwards, thereby crashing into the stores damaging benches and tables and generators in its path.
BLOOD DONATION EXERCISE IN ZIK HALL
On Saturday, 14th of August 2021, the students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall of Residence, came out in their large numbers to partake in the blood donation exercise which took place in the Hall.
The programme which was an initiative of The University of Ibadan Blood Donors Club (UIBDC) together with the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) and the Blood Drive Network (TBDN) partnered with Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall for the blood drive. UIBDC and TBDN are organisations promoting blood donation while the NBTS provided the blood donation kit and expertise.
In a chat with the Hall’s Health Minister, Mr Inioluwa John, he had this to say about the whole process and its importance, “Blood donation is an important humanitarian exercise. The donation was aimed at creating awareness on the importance of blood donation and getting donations to cater for those in need of blood for various medical conditions“.
The exercise which took place shortly after the tank washing exercise that took place in the early hours of the day was a successful exercise as students came out in their large numbers to partake in the exercise. Volunteers who took part in the donation of blood were given food and drinks to serve as refreshment to replenish the blood donated. Other items like t-shirts and nose masks were also given to participants.
HEALTH MINISTER ORGANISES ZIKITES FOR TANK WASHING
On Saturday, 14th August 2021, the Zik Hall Health Minister in collaboration with Health and Awareness Committee members and some zikites washed some of the water tanks in the hall, specifically those around the C block.
The exercise began around 8am and about 30 occupants of the Hall participated in it. The Hall Chairman, his Vice Chairman, Hall Secretary and some members of the former Executive Council (Former Social Minister, DY and Former Sport Minister, Kester) were also at the venue to encourage the participants.
ZIK HALL HOLDS FIRST COMMON POT FOR THE SESSION
The students of Zik Hall came out in their numbers to mark the first Zik Hall common pot which took place on Saturday, 21st of August 2021. The programme which started with the collection of food items from willing and volunteering students in the early hours of the morning, kicked off officially by 6 pm with the cooking of beans which was to be shared among the students as part of the exercise.
TRAILS OF LEADERSHIP INEPTITUDE IN NIGERIA’S OLYMPICS OUTINGS
Team Nigeria’s unimpressive outing at the recently concluded Tokyo 2020 Olympics might have been sealed even before the start of the competition. Finishing 8th in Africa, 74th in the world, and winning only 2 medals, Nigeria’s latest Olympics performance is no welcome improvement on the single medal win and 78th position finish at Rio 2016. What is however more dismaying was the noted gross leadership ineptitude of Nigerian sports officials, which has over time being a recurring trend.
Vanguard reported late in July how some Nigerian athletes took to the streets of Tokyo to register their grievances for their avoidable ineligibility to compete, while their counterparts were actively participating in the global completion. Apparently, 10 of the Nigerian representatives were disqualified for not undertaking the mandatory three required pre-competition tests. Again, 32 years old Blessing Okagbare, Nigeria’s sprint sensation and holder of the women’s 100 meters Commonwealth Games record for the fastest time, was also suspended mid-competition after reportedly testing positive for human growth hormone. The bubbling question is who takes responsibility for this national embarrassment.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) acting as the track and field governing body in the country is saddled with the task of preparation of athletes and compliance with competition regulations. The subsisting federation’s board during Tokyo 2020 however paid less attention to regulatory compliance. The inevitable result was the avoidable humiliation faced by enthusiastic athletes and ultimately national shame. Following the disgraceful incidences, Tonobok Okowa, AFN president insisted that the body will take responsibility for the negligence of the immediate past board, setting up a new anti-doping commission. However, this isn’t the first time that Nigeria has exhibited administrative deficiency in national athletics.
Back in London 2012 Olympics, the then Sports Minister, Yusuf Suleiman, had spontaneously pledged to grant full support for the athletes’ excellent performance. The statement however turned out to be mere ‘politician’ as neither the AFN nor National Sports Commission officials delivered on any tangible agenda in the weeks leading to the competition. Expectedly, venturing into London 2012 Olympics with 11th-hour preparation, Nigeria failed to record any medal win.
Rio 2016 was no better as Nigeria recorded a single bronze win. Fidelis Gadzama, a co-silver medalist for men’s 4×400-meters relay at the Sydney 2000, had shared his views with Newsweek on the reasons for Nigeria’s unimpressive performance at the Olympics. He highlighted poor preparation and corruption as major debacles to Nigeria’s Olympic success. Speaking of his experiences at Sydney 2000, he reiterated how the relay team almost missed out on the competition after they lodged complaints of unpaid allowances but were responded with threats of being sent home from the competition. He also remarked on the unsupportive attitude of some Nigerian officials who absented themselves from the stadium and sat back in their hotels. Commenting on Nigeria’s Rio 2016 outing, he lamented that not much has changed with occurrences of missed flights, reneged funds promises, and a positive doping test.
The trail of administrative irresponsibility in previous Olympics outings blazed into Tokyo 2020s. In reaction, Nigerian athletes have taken the bold move to air their thoughts on administrative lapses. After her suspension from Tokyo 2020, Blessing Okagbare lashed out at the incompetence of sports officials emphasizing that “athletes are always at the receiving end of the damages.” Chimezie Metu of Nigeria’s D’Tigers also decried the negative effects administrative lapses have on athletes, stressing how hard it is for them to focus on the game.
London 2012 Olympics and beyond, to this present time is a long way off, yet occurrences of administrative lapses in sport governance hit the news in fresh details. Presently, the morale of Nigerian sports persons is dampened and expectations for future global athletic outings hold little or no hope of impressiveness. The problem is clear, the solution is deducible. Change is anticipated.
Nnamdi Azikiwe Press Organization interacts with a popular finalist and an elder statesman, he speaks about his sojourn in the Hall and what he feels should be the way forward in maintaining the long set standards of Zik Hall. Enjoy!
CAN WE MEET YOU?
I am Alejo Victor Olamide, a.k.a (PAPIJAY) a 500 level student of the Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, former floor representative of B3 constituency, and immediate past Vice-chairman of the Hall.
YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND?
I had my primary education at Christ the King Nur/Pry school in the year 2004, I proceeded to Aquinas college (A.C.A) Akure, Ondo State where I had my SSCE result in the year 2010. After many trials regarding gaining admission to higher institutions, I eventually settled at Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti where I pursued a National Diploma from the Department of Agricultural Technology with Distinction, this made it easier for me to secure my Direct entry admission to the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, and so I started my first degree, to God be the glory, I am currently in my final year second semester.
CAN YOU SHARE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE IN ZIK HALL SO FAR?
Let me say emphatically and categorically that Azikiwe terror of the field, Baluba is the school of thought I belong to, Zikisim is the blood that runs through my veins, Aroism is the spirit that guides my positive thought. Zikites are my favourite brothers!
My experience in Zik from the first day in the Hall cannot be overemphasized, talk about the intellectual, social, life exposure, and the so-called brotherhood spirit I have inculcated from Zik Hall is overwhelming. Let me just say Zik Hall leads and others follow.
CAN YOU TELL US BRIEFLY OF YOUR MAIN CONTRIBUTIONS WHILE IN OFFICE AS THE VICE HALL CHAIRMAN?
Serving as the Vice-chairman of the Hall is a good memory for me indeed, I contributed immensely to the development and greatness of the Hall by ensuring effective implementation and execution of my promises to the Hall by ensuring the provision of more poles and lines for the convenience or Zikites to spread their clothes, I also ensure optimal dispensation of Zik Hall supporters club for effective representation and support for Zikites, most importantly, I supported every executive member and the Chairman in achieving the Executive goals to Zikites at large.
YOUR BEST MOMENT(S) IN ZIK HALL?
My best moment in Zik Hall is the moment I won the election to be the Vice Hall Chairman of the greatest Hall in the whole of Sub-Saharan Africa.
WHOSE ADMINISTRATION WILL YOU SAY IS STILL THE BEST SO FAR EVER SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN A RESIDENT OF THE HALL?
The best administration I have witnessed so far in the Hall is the IMPACT AND TRADITION TEAM, led by Otuoke, and I had the chance to serve as the Vice-Chairman. This administration put in all its effort in promoting the tradition, welfare, and optimizing the spirit embedded in Zikism for the preponderance and progress of the Hall.
WHAT SPECIFIC THINGS WILL YOU LIKE THIS PRESENT EXCOS TO DO OR IMPROVE ON?
I will like the present executives to improve on the security and the social life of Zikites, most especially the sporting life of Zikites is decreasing at an increasing rate, don’t forget “Undisputed UI sport king… Azikiwe never ever fails”.
WHAT NEXT AFTER GRADUATION?
Well, after graduation, man proposes but God Almighty disposes, I plan to venture into business in my field of study (Agricultural Economics). “Coz I gat to be financially okay before coming back for my Master’s program”.
LIST THE ROOMS YOU HAVE STAYED IN THE HALL
I stayed in A45, B55, A16, D11 in my 200, 300, 400 and 500 respectively. Don’t forget I am a DE student.
YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS?
I am SINGLE
YOUR ADVICE TO ZIKITES?
My candid advice to Zikites at large is to hold the true spirit embedded in Zikism firmly, which are the oneness, togetherness, and brotherhood and also maintain the principle of integrity and the pinnacle of intellectualism in Zik hall, moreover, their primary assignment on campus must not be jeopardized.
There have been arguments about who the Greatest artiste is between Wizkid (BIG WIZ), Burnaboy, and Davido (30BG). Of recent, this argument has also surfaced via Social Media about Wizkid, whose real name is Ayo Balogun being the greatest.
Wizkid whom Fans regard as being a great artiste due to the fact that he released a Remix of one of his hit songs in his album “Made in Lagos” titled ESSENCE with Tems and Justin Bieber. Not only have fans come to say he is the greatest but Yemi Alade who also is a female artiste has come out on social media to complain about how fans are crying about Wizkid concert being “Sold Out” in “THE O2” arena within a time frame of twelve minutes. Wizkid has also come out to tell fans to pre-order his “Made in Lagos Deluxe” which will be released on 27th August. Does this justify him being the greatest?
There are different phases of life that complement one another. The absence of one of them put to question the normal status of the container. Things are either this or that. When it’s not this, it’s definitely that. There’s winter and there’s summer, sun, and rain, day and night, pain and gain, etc. The absence of these puts the normal status of the earth in question. Life itself offers two sides to every situation; the dark phase and the joyous phase (as I would prefer over the light phase).
When we are faced with the positive, we hope for a long day and when faced with the other, we hope to end the day in a jiffy. When our wants are met, we pray for the lengthening of our days. When they are not, we pray for the shortening of the days. What a funny life! We are bound to face the two as we go on in the journey of life.
Over the years, some humans have turned to suicide as the solution to problems they can’t solve, the solution to facing the dark phases of life, and so on. One thing that remains constant is that we never want to die; we are just scared of our challenges that we decide to run away from them. When we ask people why they want to die, most if not all want to because they can’t solve the problem they have. You don’t want to die, you need help.
“The darkest hour is just before dawn” has been a dangling quote in our minds with only a few actually understanding the concept. Though there might be trouble in the night, joy comes in the morning. So why should you die? I liken this to the story of a young man who went through hell to get to the other side of a tunnel and 3 inches away to the exit he gave up. Why should you go through the dark phase and still lose? Is it worth it? Every life struggle is a portal to a life worth living. Don’t be a quitter. Be a testifier. Don’t use suicide as an excuse, it’s not worth it.
The biggest gift we enjoy is the joy in the gift of life. Those who have it and are grateful, live long. Those who have it, and are ungrateful, live miserably. There are others who have it and are not secured, so they pray for security. One thing common to all is willingness to keep it. Why should you take yours? You don’t want to die, you need help.
Bedbugs are blood-sucking pests known for their fierce ability to infest foam or cushion and reproduce exponentially on objects. Its notoriety is such that even when moves are made to nip its growth in the bud, it still weaves its way back to the object thriving on the slightest moment of carelessness from the distraught owner of the object.
It is no more news that in recent times, there appears to be yet another upsurge in the number of COVID-19 cases, this has in fact led to school administrators reverting back to virtual learning to regulate its spread. The management of the University of Ibadan was even forced to shut down physical activities at some point and only a few months ago resumed physical lectures again whilst reducing the number of residents in the various hostels. The opening of schools was informed by the belief that the spread of the disease had been contained to an extent. The number of infected persons seems to be on the increase daily which might indicate the possibility of a second wave.
In light of this, stakeholders of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall have been pulling all stops to prevent the spread of the disease. This includes special efforts by the Hall Warden, Dr. Olufemi Adebiyi to put things in place in order to further forestall the spread of the Coronavirus. Some of the notable measures comprise the provision of face masks to Zikites, water systems strategically positioned at main entry points along with hand sanitizers, a compulsory directive ensuring that all Zikites and visitors of the Hall properly wash their hands before being permitted into Hall’s premises, the lockdown of the auxiliary gate leading to the Zik Hall bridge which had hitherto served as an inroad to the Hall and a shortcut to other Halls of residence to restrict the influx of people into the Hall and the constant check of nose masks of persons moving in and out of the Hall.
These measures, though laudable have come under intense criticism by Zikites, for instance, the lockdown of the subsidiary gate has reportedly prolonged residents’ locomotion from the hall to their classes, some even attribute their lateness to class to the lockdown of the gate. This has culminated in residents of the Hall clamouring for the gate to be made open to them even for a while as movement from the Hall to other places outside Hall’s vicinity has become a burdensome task. A 200- level student of Sociology resident in the Hall who pleaded anonymity admitted the good intentions of the management to curtail the virus but has decried the strain of attending lectures and inability to respond to any emergency movement to the Hall, describing the measure as overboard. Another student of the Faculty of Arts revealed that he has now become very selective of the lectures he attends. Many other Zikites shared the sentiment while a lesser percentage seemed to be seating on the fence regarding the issue.
It is apparent that Zikites appreciate and understand the goodwill of its Hall management, however, what doesn’t appear to sit right with them is the lockdown of the subsidiary gate that has allegedly made attending lectures an uphill exercise. Zikites are appealing to the management to throw open the gates once again to facilitate ease of attending lectures.
Just like bedbugs, being complacent with the Coronavirus can lead to its increase, hence, Zikites are advised to stay safe and fully comply with precautionary measures of the COVID-19 while anticipating the Hall management’s stance on the opening of the subsidiary gate even if for a limited period of time daily which is hoped to be communicated to Zikites.
Legislative Council demands Apology Letter from Hall Chairman and
Finance Minister
The Legislative Council of the Nnamdi Azikwe Hall has demanded a letter of apology from the Hall Chairman, Mr Joshua Ejemeka, and Finance Minister, Mr Sulaimon Popoola, at the recent legislative sitting held on Saturday, 31st July 2021, in respect to the lateness in changing the signatories to the account of the Hall.
The sitting which was held for the primary purpose of budget review, started with the review and approval of the budget of the Health Minister for the sum of ₦67,705, a sum of ₦15,800 was approved for the Sport Minister, a pre-budget of ₦11,000 was approved for the Finance Minister, while a sum of ₦48,250 was approved for the budget of the Information and Propaganda Minister, while the review of the Social Minister’s budget was adjourned to the next sitting, due to time factor and unresolved discrepancies.
Drama unfolded when the Council called out the executives for its slow reaction in dealing with the signatory issue of the Hall’s account at the start of the first semester which disrupted the annual tutorial plans of the General Secretary of the Hall. The Legislative Council demanded an apology which is to be presented at the next sitting, for what they tagged as negligence on the part of the Executive Council in effecting the efficient change of signatory to the office of the Finance Minister and a non-acknowledgement of a letter sent by the council to that effect.
It was reported that a letter was addressed to the Executive Council by the Legislative Council’s clerk, through the office of the Hall Secretary; who claimed to have sent the letter to the WhatsApp group of the Executive Council, which all members of the Executive Council admitted to have seen, except for the Finance Minister, who claimed not to be aware of any of such and the Hall Chairman, who claimed to have seen it, but could not locate it on his phone, which tantamount to not having the letter.
The Legislative Council agreed to pardon the Executive Council for the negligence exhibited during the signatory and letter saga, but demanded a written apology from the Hall Chairman and the Financial Minister, as the prime culprits of the offence, which is to be presented the council at the next sitting.
The sitting was adjourned to the following week, on the 7th of August 2021, as the Council was not able review other budgets due to time constraints.
