Quality of Greatness and the Other Way Round

Nnamdi Azikiwe is the heartbeat of the University of Ibadan. The only component of being a Zikite is Zikism. Zikism is greatness simplified. Zikites have it big in the last two weeks. From the Hall winning the Inter-Hall Football Competition, winning the Hall of the year at the Students’ Union Event and the Hall Chairman winning the Hall Chairperson of the year. What a time!

Everyone is impressed. Being a Zikite has no expiry date. Alumni have been massive with their support. This is a testament to the fact that greatness poured by Zikism is indelible.

The Hall Warden, a Zikite himself concerning the recent wins noted thus: “I am not surprised at all, in fact, if we had performed below that would have given me serious concern, that means Zik hall is not living up to its name, Even our anthem is testament to our greatness. We lead in everything and it is not now, it is not new, it is just that we cannot allow that glory to come down, we must keep flying. Don’t forget if Zik hall sneezes, UI catches cold. So, I am not surprised by our outstanding performances.”

THE OTHER WAY ROUND
Many Zikites have lost the ideal maintenance culture. They use properties of the Hall like it is something of no worth. Imagine destroy all facilities in the Hall, of what benefit will it be to anyone, not even the destroyer. A case study is how the chairs in the room are being maintained poorly. A lot of chairs were got by the Hall management sometimes ago for Zik Hall reading rooms, sadly, many of them have been destroyed due to the dearth of maintenance culture of some Zikites. It is high time common sense is deployed by erring Zikites. Poor maintenance culture is not Zikism.

HOW ZIK HALL WON THE INTER-HALL FOOTBALL COMPETITION: HEARING FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH

Good day, Coach Kester, we are so excited to have you here, welcome on board.

Thank you. It’s a pleasure being here.

Zik Hall above all odds won the Inter Hall Competition, How do you feel?

I feel euphoric. The feeling of having won the Inter-hall is one of pure elation.

Even though winning is a heritage in Zik Hall, for several years, Zik Hall was not able to go far in the inter-hall competition, what do you think was the problem, and what did you do differently?

What in my opinion was the problem was one of favoritism. The coaches we had selected their teams based on whom they liked and wanted.

I and my coaching crew picked a team purely based on merit. Before now, you wouldn’t find 100 level guys making the team but this year, we had over five 100 level Zikites in the team. More so, we shortlisted a list of 30 names and gave invites to them all. Only the players who showed up at training got to play. It was more of a “no training, no match” circumstance.

Was your aim to win the competition initially or just to play some good games?

When we set out to prepare for the competition, we decided we were going to win. I hadn’t won the competition as a player and I was willing to do all it took to try and win it as a coach.

What was the input of the coaching crew to the success recorded?

The coaching crew was one comprising of about five individuals with different ideologies and beliefs. The success of the team was no doubt largely due to the coaching crew. No disrespect meant to the players of course. The coaching crew developed the plans to execute, the players to field, what to do after we scored or conceded etc.

The players were instrumental nonetheless but the coaching crew also performed a really good job.

Even though your players had to buy their jerseys themselves, would you say you got the needed support from the Executive council?

The decision for the Players buying their Jerseys was a collective one. And it was due largely to the fact that the players would get to keep their Jerseys with their names printed on it.

If the players hadn’t bought those Jerseys, the Executive Council would have found a way to get the team a Jersey either through rent or purchase.

So, I’d categorically say we got the needed support from the Executive Council. From the mobilization of the fans to the provision of other essential things we need.

Would you say the activities of the supporters club had an influence in you winning the title?

The supporters were a big factor in our title win. The chants elevated our spirits and encouraged us to do even better. The displays put on, the caskets and many other acts pushed us to do better than we’d ever done.

Several Fans noted that unlike the Final against Bello Hall, Zik Hall didn’t play well in their first two games, what did you do to prepare the players for the final?

The players’ performance in the Final against Bello would seem different from the other two matches. It was in fact different. After the quarter and semi-finals, we were not totally impressed with our performances so the coaching crew sat and analysed the problem we were facing. We solved such problems by ways not limited to the following; we had a road workout, we had a hill workout at the Awo/CMF hill and conducted fresh training sessions with totally different ideologies.

Glory to God, the players adapted quickly to the new formation being proposed and the style of play which we intended to use. So definitely, the preparation for the final was much more different from that of the quarter and semifinals.

Understanding that this is your first coaching job, would you say winning was just luck?

I am certainly not a coach, only an injured player who got a coaching job call-up.

When I was told I’d be coaching the Zik team, I examined the situation of coaching and how different it was from playing. So, I sought out to recruit people who had more experience than I did in coaching. My coaching crew comprised of the 200L survival football competition coach, The Faculty of Social Science Assistant Coach, The Barrister Rotimi Alli Zik Hall Interfloor Football competition Silver medal winning Coach and A Freshman who had sufficient knowledge of Football after having gone under scrutiny.

If it’s said that it was sheer luck that won us the Interhall, no problem. But we had a wealth of knowledge to have benefited from when it comes to coaching duties. The coaches selected were carefully and categorically chosen to compliment a man who knew nothing about coaching.

Okay. We understand that some Alumni of Zik Hall promised the team money at some point, have you been able to get the money?

Yes, the team has been able to get the money. Not in its totality but part of it.

The money collected from alumni and the winner’s cash prizes, will it be remitted to the hall, shared among the players, or used for some projects?

The decision will be made by the entirety of the team. However, part of the money had been forwarded to the supporters’ club for their immense contribution to the team. What will happen to the remainder will be decided by the whole team.

As Zik Hall Head Coach, what are you doing to make sure that we are able to sustain this performance?

The coaching crew like I said comprised of 5 individuals inclusive of myself. 

Out of these 5, only 2 are finalist. The remaining 3 are very much available to carry on with the precedents already set as regards the coaching of the team.

Okay, sir. What do you have to say to the generality of Zikites who came to cheer your team in every game?

To every Zikite who came to support the team, we are deeply appreciative of your support. Your chants led us to glory and we hope you had fun whilst at it. We hope to keep up this excellent tradition and keep entertaining and making every Zikites happy in football.

'MY VILLAGE PEOPLE' BECOMES NOLLYWOOD'S 17TH FILM TO GROSS OVER N100 MILLION IN BOX OFFICE

 Niyi Akinmolayan’s hit comedy ‘My Village People’ has recorded a major milestone after crossing the N100 million mark in box office. The success was made after 12 weeks in the box office.

Recall that the comedy thriller film was produced by Kountry Kulture Network, FilmOne Entertainment, and TMPL Motion pictures, ‘My Village People’ is officially the 17th Nollywood title to gross over N100 million. The film which has so far grossed N100,118,350, made the record after 12 solid weeks in box office.

Starring Bovi Ugboma who doubles as writer and executive producer, ‘My Village People’ follows the story of Prince (Bovi) a young man who finds himself in a bizarre love triangle with the marine world and a coven of witches as a result of his reckless lifestyle. The film also stars Nkem Owoh (Osuofia), Venita Akpofure, Sophie Alakija, Theresa Edem, Ada Ameh, Binta Ayo-Mogaji, Rachel Oniga, Charles Inojie, Venita Akpofure, Zubby Michael, Amaechi Muonagor, Mimi Onalaja, Akah Nnani among others.

 The dark comedy is produced by Matilda Sola, Winnie Okpapi, Mimidoo (Achineku) Bartels and co-executive produced by Moses Babatope of FilmOne Entertainment and Idris Olorunnimbe of The Temple Company.

[Special Report] Baluba Undisputed UI Sports King

The long wait was over. The excitement was palpable. On the eventful evening of Friday, September 24, 2021 UI was ready to announce a new sport king at the final match of the Inter-hall football competition.

Following Idia hall’s victory over Awo hall in the final of the female category in a penalty shoot-out after battling to 1-1 in regular time, Sultan Bello hall was set to clash with the lions of Baluba. While Bellites had demonstrated unwavering resolve with a double knockout against the postgraduates, it was left to be seen if they could hold on to a winning streak in the final match against Zik hall.

On its part, Zik hall had performed amazingly, winning all its matches squarely with goals from open play, recording only one concession from the spot in the match against Kuti hall, and cheered on to the finals with wide and wild support from the extraordinarily zealous supporters’ club. “Azikiwe, terror on the field” was becoming an unchallengeable axiom.

Through the competition, Zik hall was famous for sealing the game in the first half, and to prove the running fact, Zik hall scored a convincing goal early in the first half. Afo, the masterful midfielder, had curled a mind-bending freekick to which Bello’s goalie could only pull a Karius, deflecting the spinning ball into the back of the net.

Minutes after Dotun and Skinny (Samuel), the incisive forwards had made two testy attempts before the duo pulled another goal when Dotun adroitly converted Skinny’s cross from the left, doubling Zik hall’s lead in the 20th minute, and turning the game into another ‘maracana’ affair.

Five minutes later, Bello hall pulled one back from the spot on account of the referee penalizing an excessive tackle in the box.

In the second segment,  the thrilled spectators responded in ‘hoos’ and ‘haas’ to chances and misses, especially as Bello hall mounted pressure to change the tone of the game, but the inspirited Zik players responded with buffering defensiveness, resplendent with the phenomenal artfulness and ferocity in the defensive midfield. No doubt “Baluba’s magnificence” glared brilliantly.

Up in the attack, the unslacking forwards were dauntless. Off Afo’s bedazzling feet to Skinny’s superb controls, the fumbling hands of Bello’s goalie could not prevent another finish in the 55th minute but Bello was saved another scar as the fast-paced ball went off target.

The end of the second half drew near. The crowd was enlivened and the clouds were literally gathering. Zik hall was cooking. Afo’s feet worked their magic cutting the ball through Bello’s defense line, Bello’s goalie was out to make a save but Skinny’s swift feet found the ball and with startling dexterity directed the ball certainly into back of the net, and the SUB pitch erupted!

At that moment, Skinny’s goal was less of nailing Bello hall’s defeat than it was of Zik hall making a statement that Baluba was “undisputed, UI’s sport king” In the full glare of the campus community, Zik hall had clinched the trophy. They say when Zik hall sneezes, UI catches cold, but that evening, Baluba kingdom roared deafeningly, “Azikiwe never ever fails.

APPLYING COMMONSENSE TO TOILET USAGE AND MAINTENANCE

“HYGIENE IS TWO-THIRDS OF HEALTH” – Lebanese Proverb

According to the Oxford English dictionary, hygienes are the conditions and practices conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness. There are various kinds of diseases that can be contracted from the toilet, these groups of diseases are generally known as URETHRAL TRACT INFECTION (UTI). There are different types of hygiene, which are; Personal hygiene, Medical hygiene, Sleep hygiene and Food hygiene. However, the focus of this topic will be dwelling on TOILET HYGIENE, which is an example of personal hygiene.

According to the report on the 2^nd of May 2017 by the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrhea disease which is transmitted by fecal microbes found in the toilet is the second leading cause of death in children under five years old. Urethral tract infection is majorly common among females, this is as a result of their susceptibility due to the anatomical structure of their urinary system, their organs are more exposed to infection, however, males are not left out

We have various types of Urinary tract infections, some of which are; Vaginitis, Urethritis, Cystitis, pyelonephritis etc. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina caused by vaginal bacteria that can result in discharge, itching and pain. Urethritis is an inflammation of the tube carrying urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, pyelonephritis is an inflammation of the kidney due to a bacterial infection.

The Big question remains, how can we prevent ourselves from being infected by these diseases? The most effective way to prevent contracting these diseases is through emulating a hygienic lifestyle of using the toilet.

Avoid entering the toilet with a too long a dress that could mop up the water containing pathogens on the floor of the toilet.

Keeping the toilet seat clean is also of utmost importance, oftentimes users of the public toilet climb on the seat of the toilet with their shoes. This may seem gross, notwithstanding people do it a lot, during this process they pick up fecal microbes with their shoes and can later transmit them to others living in the same room, through food contamination. A better way to deal with unclean toilet seats is to use a toilet seat cleaner. All you have to do is to dispense the sanitizing fluid onto a piece of toilet paper and use it to wipe down the toilet seat before and after use.

Always Shut the lid of the toilet before flushing. Researchers have discovered that each time we flush, microbes are released up to 25cm above the toilet seat, thereafter land on the toilet surface. Whenever you touch these surfaces, the microbes will be transmitted to your hands and eventually, you can contaminate your food using these hands, hence, shutting the lid of the toilet reduced the risk of being exposed to harmful microbes while flushing.  

Lastly, washing hands with soap and water and drying them before stepping out. This, in particular, should not be left out, do you know how many times you touch an infected surface each time you go to the toilet? A few examples may be able to give a little insight. When you are about to enter the toilet, you touch the handle, if the lid of the seat is closed, you use your hands to lift up the lid, and even the flush button is also pressed using the hands. This alone is enough to justify why we should never forget to wash our hands and dry them each time you visit the toilet, even if it’s for a non-significant reason because you don’t know where you could have touched with those hand of yours.

My sincere advice to everyone out there is to exhibit an ideal hygienic lifestyle, for, without health, there is no progress. I will end with a beautiful quote “Cleanliness and order are not matters of instinct; they are matters of education, and like most great things, you must cultivate a taste for them” by Benjamin Disraeli a former prime minister of the United Kingdom.

ZIK HALL'S ELDERHOOD: A TRANSITION OF HIGH SCHOOL SENIORITY?

High School with its frills and thrills! Seniors were always held in high regard, they could do no wrong, they could do and undo, whatever action they take goes without further probing. Being a senior student meant being entitled to free services from juniors. At the bellowing of a senior, all junior students keep mum. Every junior seeks to curry favour from the seniors. Junior students hastily look forward to the day they’ll be ushered in to the rostrum of seniority.

Do these stories strike a chord with you? It most likely does, except if you didn’t attend school in Nigeria or you attended a high school where there were stringent policies to curtail the master- slave relationship between senior students and junior students.

Reminiscing through my high school days, I recall what it felt like to be both a junior student and a senior student. Although, I did not exactly experience first-hand, the cruelty of some of the senior students, thanks to my being a day student at the time, but I watched as my colleagues were made to kneel and gather whatever money they had to whet the whim of a senior student, any perceived revolt would lead to the junior being belted to submission.  Wrong doings were always attributed to junior students, that is, all junior students are guilty until proven innocent. Most of the time, it turns out that investigations reveal that such wrong doing was perpetuated by a senior student. Of course, no apology would be tendered to junior students.

Seeing all of these things some of my colleagues and I swore never to follow the path some of our seniors trod. However, like a horse let out of a stable, the spirit of the outgone seniors possessed my colleagues as they began treating junior students below the belt. They meted corporal punishments on junior students with so much confidence that they even dared any junior student to report them to any teacher and indeed, when such reports got to the teachers (the only ones seniors could possibly dread), the issue dies a natural death, unless parents of the affected students are involved and even at the instance of a proactive teacher that gives an unbiased judgement that favours a junior student. The concerned junior student suffers a worse fate in the hands of the seniors and quickly made an example by the senior students.

I tried fighting this trend to a standstill but it was like waging war against raging tides. The best I could do was protecting junior students from the hands of my colleagues, if the concerned students quickly run to me for help or if I chance upon any corporal punishment about to be administered on any junior student.  Frankly speaking, I relished how juniors cringed before me and gave me respect borne out of fear, all of these because I bore the tag “senior”.

Years later, it is interesting to know that in the pursuit of tertiary education, positions are swapped. One-time seniors could become juniors or even colleagues, putting everyone on the same pedestal.  Even more thrilling to know were the speculations that seniority ends at the high school stage. Alas! I would witness yet another modified version of seniority.

Zik Hall, no doubt is one of the greatest halls of residence in the University of Ibadan, in fact, there are stories flying around that guardians or parents try to influence their wards’ given halls of residence to Zik Hall because of its colossal stature, beauty and fame. Nevertheless, there has been a big question mark over what is known as “elderhood” in the hall. From the checks conducted and inferences from obvious signals, any Zikite who is in his final year of study in the university, has held a leadership position within the hall or in their department of faculty and is resident in “D- block” qualifies to be an “elder”.

The strain in the relationship between the supposed elders and other Zikites surfaced when a regular Zikite was fetching water from D- block reservoir (this became a natural occurrence, since the water reservoir at the back of C – block suddenly stopped flowing with water).  A popular “elder” in the hall, soon challenged the regular Zikite to quit the water reservoir because, “there is no water”, this was happening while the water was already flowing into the bucket. Perceptibly, the rashness of the request must have made the regular Zikite ignore him, inflamed by the silence, the “elder” switches of the tap; provoked the regular Zikite begins yelling at this elder, a slap was the next thing that came from the “elder”. Sensing that tempers were starting to fray at the seams and that an altercation was imminent, Zikites quickly waded in. The concerned regular Zikite  in askance to what he done to deserve such undignified treatment was determined to defend what is left of his dignity, whereas the “elder” had gone of pursuit of a plank which he was already wielding , threatening to  beat up the regular Zikite to pulp as a punishment for his incontinence.

The issue ended and the dust settled,  the fiasco rekindled  the memories of high school seniority. I immediately met with some stakeholders of the hall to enquire about the legality of this trend. In the words of a certain hall legislator, “Elderhood is not constitutional but of traditional, hence it must be respected, however, everything has to b done with utmost discretion”. Another erstwhile Zik Hall legislator stated “Elderhood is a tradition in Zik  hall but it is largely unconstitutional, all that Zik hall has are regarded as assets that should be accessible to all Zikites, Zik hall assets are not the exclusive property of any member of the hall.”

From the feelers, it is apparent that the “elders” are trying to revive the nobility attached to D- block as a sacred fortress. While this in itself is not a bad aim but caution should not be thrown to the wind in the name of trying to achieve this.

May the unity and greatness of Zik Hall not wane or fail. Long live Zik Hall.  

– Seven the Scribbler

Five candidates emerge from Zik Hall, as Students’ Union election approaches

Five students of Zik hall have emerged as candidates, as they throw their hats into the ring for the forthcoming the University of Ibadan, Students’ Union elections that will hold on the 9th of October 2021.

The deadline for the submission of form came to a close on Friday 24th of September 2021, as aspirants who are believed to be vying for posts in Students’ Union, are all expected to have beaten the deadline to stand a chance of participating in the electoral process.

The aspirants are; Bamidele Taiwo Paul aka BAM T, going for the post of General Secretary, Musliudeen Toheeb Akanbi aka DEAN, going for the post of Treasurer, Arinola David Addo aka ADDO ORIGINAL, going for the post of Assistant General Secretary, Olawale Joshua Babatunde aka OJB,  going for the post of Sports Secretary and Hon. Olaniyan Mathews, popularly known as Jesugbemi who might be going on opposed for the post of House Secretary due to the stepping down of his opponent.

Zik hall has been noted for her penchant for producing politically acclaimed students, as it must be remembered that the past president, the incumbent president and General Secretary of the SU are residents of Zik hall. So, it is of no surprise that Zik hall will have more students vying for posts in the coming elections, as the hall is known for its political vibrancy.

It is either Gold or Gold, Zik's Sport Minister roars

By 3:00pm tomorrow, UI will breathlessly watch as the Baluba lions tussle with the Sultans of Bello Hall in the final lap of the Inter-hall football competition.

Defeating Kuti and Tedder Hall in the preceding matches, Zik Hall has stamped the appellation, ‘terror of the field‘ on the sands of the SUB pitch. Ahead of tomorrow’s final onslaught, the Sport Minister, Akande Peter (A. Peter), has given the statement defining Zik Hall’s mission.

Alluding to Zik Hall’s team success, he reiterated that,

“Paying a keen attention to our hall’s anthem, it is audible to the deaf and visible to the blind that we are the terror on the field (KING OF UI FOOTBALL) and this has not been just a motivation but also a major force behind our success thus far.”

Looking back on antecedents and the encouragement from supporters, he observed that,

“Our predecessors have been a great source of inspiration while we strive to surpass the enviable legacy left behind by them. Also, the supporters club have really been a big motivation and I say a very big thank you to them all.”

A. Peter has now emphatically stressed the mission of the team,

“During my manifesto I made mention that we are coming with nothing less than silver but right now I’m telling you it’s either GOLD OR GOLD.”

TECH, LAW INTER-FACULTY HOPES DASHED AS BAMSA, SOCIAL SCIENCES PROCEED TO FINAL

On Wednesday, 22nd September, the Faculties of Social Sciences and Basic Medical Sciences will face off in the final fixture of the Inter-faculty football competition.

Having had an impressive adventure through to the finals, Social Sciences have been dubbed favourites to win the competition, having won all their matches save one, which they drew against Law in the group stage, and conceding only a goal so far. In the semi-final match, they faced Law again, who had just knocked out Faculty of Science in a strongly tensed match. Social sciences however secured a one goal win against Law yesterday and claiming a spot in the final.

Basic Medical Sciences (BAMSA), on their part have turned out to be the miracle team of the competition, knocking out defending champions, Education, in a penalty shoot-out in the quarter-final stage. They also went on to beat Technology, a supposedly tough side, by scoring a late winner against the engineers in the semis to secure a place in the final.

Speaking of stellar performances, the Faculty of Economics proved quite the opposite, dispensing five goals concessions against every side they played, subtly maintaining an equilibrium for every match they played. Closely contending for the banter spot was Dentistry, conceding a net full of 9 goals in their group stage match against Faculty of Science.

The final match of the competition will be played out between Social Science and BAMSA on Wednesday, 22nd September, while Law and Technology will vie for third place today.

SU TO INCREASE CASH PRIZE FOR INTER-HALL COMPETITION AS ZIK, BELLO; AWO, IDIA PREPARE FOR FINAL CLASH

The Student Union has indicated plans to review the cash prize allotted for the winners of the Inter-hall football competition.

On Friday, 24th September, the final fixture of the Inter-hall football competition will hold featuring Zik Hall against Bello Hall in the male category, and Awo Hall versus Idia Hall in the female category. However, issues have arisen concerning the indicated cash prizes for winners.

The SU had published in its e-flyer, cash prizes to the tune of 20,000 and 15,000 naira for first and second place respectively, in both categories. While the tournament has received positive comments and large fan support, the indicated cash prize has been viewed as incommensurate to the efforts of the winning teams.

Commenting on the subject, Kester, Zik hall’s head coach termed the amount as ridiculous, falling below the bar in comparison to previous editions. In his words,

“It’s a ridiculous amount. The only compensation is that we’re playing for the honour and pride. So we won’t let the prize money get in the way of the goals we’ve set to achieve.”

In comparison to previous editions, he lamented a fall below the bar in rewarding team effort in the Inter-hall football competition.

“I’ve spent over 6 years in this school and this is the first time I’m seeing something of the sort; an inter-hall football competition prize money being this ridiculous. The prize money has always been between the range of 100-150k.”

However, this tone of displeasure may have to change as the Student Union organizing body of the tournament has indicated plans to review the prize money. Speaking with Sola Sport, the head organizer of the Inter-hall football competition, he gave clarifications as to the reasons for the 20,000 maximum prize money. He explained that since the reinstatement of the Student Union which features the absence of a Sport Secretary in the incumbent administration, organizing sporting events on campus has had its glitches which the Union has had to grapple with.

In spite of the situation, the administration was able to secure funds to the tune of 100,000 naira. 70,000 of the amount was budgeted as cash prize while the rest was invested into organizing the competition. Sola Sport also pointed out the efforts of the organizers in making available medals, trophies and individual awards for the successful teams. As such, opinions of dissatisfaction with the organization should be reconsidered. 

In a new turn of events, the SU has however made known its plans to review the prize money. Sola Sport while emphasizing that the aim of the tournament is not exactly winning cash prizes but for the pride of the competition, honour and love for the game, has confirmed that the prize money will be reviewed upwards and new amounts will be specified on Wednesday, 22nd September. In light of this, the final matches on Friday will be greeted with greater anticipation.

The reviewed prize money by the organizers will be duly reported.

DEAR SON, BE A ZIKITE

Dear son,

      Life is hard. Life is a spoon. Life is whatever you paint it to be, hence, use the spoon to feed your soul. If you get to come into existence, remember to exist. Don’t ask me what that means, you’ll learn it someday when you sit with the Elders in D-block.

      Life comes at you very fast. It was only a matter of time before you started writing “gone are the days” in the corner of your head. ABC no longer restricted to English Language. Algebra became one of your biggest enemies. Relax. There’s a lot worse.

      The university is the “lot worse”. I’ll not be around to give you pep talk to calm your unsettled nerves. Intelligence almost looks insignificant. Almost. For the lecturers, dogs get the full marks and reasoning might be the only thing making you carry a course over.

      The “lot worse” can get extremely worse. Not being a zikite is the “extremely worse”. For where would you see the quality of greatness? Where would you learn to live with the spirit of oneness and togetherness?

      I hope this reaches you well. This is a cheat code. Clean your heart and make it pure. Be a Lion. Be undisputed. In all your being, please be a Zikite.

                                                                                              Yours faithfully,

                                                                                                                                                    Father Dice.

ZIK NEWS

Zik hall commenceS mock test and tutorials

The Nnamdi Azikwe Hall of Residence on Friday, 17th of September 2021, commenced the organization of mock test and tutorials for students residing in the Hall in preparation for the forthcoming tests and examination in the second semester of the school session.

The programme which is put in place by the Hall Secretary and the academics committee of the Hall, is a regular ritual in Zik Hall which is used to prepare and lay the ground work to hear the minds of the students in preparation for the school academic activities and examinations which will be coming up at the tail end of the semester.

The mock test which held on Friday throw to Saturday, with subjects like CHE126, CHE176 and PHI104, PHI105 holding at 3pm and 9am on Friday and Saturday respectively. While tutorials were also stated on Friday for CHE126, ECO102 and GEO141 which took place from 3pm to 4pm, while CHE176, ECO103, GEO181 and MAT121, LIN232 took place from 5pm to 6pm and 6pm to 7pm respectively.

On Saturday, LAW102 and PHY104 took place 9am to 10am simultaneously, while PHY105, HIS102 and PHY105 and HIS105 also took place simultaneously from 10am to 11am and 11am to 12pm respectively.

The aim of the programme is to help students who are lagging behind in their academic activities to do better in the coming semester exams.

UCJ UI HOLDS FAMOUS FIVE AWARD CEREMONY

On September 18 2021, the Union of Campus Journalists held her 2021 edition of her annual Famous Five Awards at the Trenchard Hall.

The event was to honour individuals making impacts in five areas necessary for human endeavours, to wit: Politics, humanitarian services, journalism, academics and entertainment. The organisation awarded Senator Fatai Buhari (politics), Dr Jubril Abdul Malik(humanitarian services), Fisayo Soyombo(Journalism), Professor Olanike Adeyemo(academics) and Mr Segun Akinlolu for entertainment.

During the programme, two inductees of the UCJ UI, Adebayo Abdulrahaman was honoured with a cash prize as the most active inductee and Tijani Abdulkabeer as the second most active inductees.

200LEVEL STUDENT EMERGES AS THE WINNER OF SUNDAY OGUNTOLA ESSAY

An essay competition organised by the UCJ UI, in honour of Sunday Oguntola was won by Ebube Ezeadum, a 200 level student of Medicine and Surgery, UI.

He was among the five people short-listed for the award and he went home with a cash prize of N30,000 which was presented to him during the UCJ UI Famous Five Awards ceremony.

While Abdul Habeeb Korede was given the sum of N20,000 as the first-runner up and Odo Christian, the sum of N10,000 as the second-runner up.

No Endorsed Candidate yet- Sebastian

The Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall Chairman, Joshua Ejemeka has cleared the air regarding the raging rumour that some Zikites contesting in the coming election were instructed to step down. He maintained that Zik Hall has not endorsed any candidate as far as the coming election is concerned.

He said “As regards our candidates and the forthcoming endorsement, I’d like to express my absolute displeasure in the way and manner some candidates have carried their campaign. Lately, it has been from playing mind games to different forms of emotional blackmail of which is targeted at satisfying their selfish interest”.

He further stated “We all know that in Zik Hall, we don’t have any official candidate(s) yet until our endorsement, and this endorsement is not done by elders but by stakeholders in the hall. Up until now, we’ve never had any reason to ask any candidate to step down nor have we gone to any hall for any form of alignment.”

“We believe in our political strategy and it has always worked for us. If a candidate sees that he doesn’t stand a chance at the polls, it is best he leaves the arena with integrity than sabotaging the image of some of us.”

He concluded by imploring Zikites to wait for official endorsement. He noted, “I implore us to wait for our official endorsement and once it is done I’m very certain that every other thing will be sorted.”

All men were all women?

During the course of last week, I stumbled on a video clip on a Youtube Channel called AsapSCIENCE. The title of the video clip is ‘we are all female’, just like you were perplexed when you saw the title of this piece that was how I was too. I took my time to watch the clip to know the justification behind that scientific assertion. At the end, I cannot but agree with their discovery but guess what, it was reached or should I say posted on that channel five years ago and I got to know recently. Just like I got to know, I want you to know if you are yet to be aware. Oh boy! You were once a girl. Oh man! You were once a woman at least according to science you were really once a female, well, for the first five to six weeks you were an embryo. So, whenever you see that lady, respect her o. Smiles. I can’t stop giggling over this.

Well, this may come as a surprise to some of our male folks but you all started out as females- psychically and phenotypically speaking. So, how is it possible?

For good students of GES107 and GES104 and those that did Biology in secondary school or at least, Basic Science in junior school, it should be known that when a man and a woman make a tiny human, they each provide twenty-three (23) chromosomes.  One pair of chromosomes helps to determine the baby’s sex – two X chromosomes and it will be a female and an X chromosome from the mother and a Y chromosome from the father and it will be a male. The key point here is that, as explained by the episode of AsapSCIENCE, the Y chromosome doesn’t kick in right away.

“In fact, the first five to six weeks of embryonic development are attributed to the X chromosome alone, and females grow from embryo to fully developed through the influence of only the X chromosome” they say.

When it comes to males, after that five or six-week period, a gene called the SRY gene will activate on the Y chromosome, and actively inhibit certain features of the X chromosome. It will also impose, through genetic dominance, male physiological traits such as the testicles. This means that if the SRY gene is not activated, the female phenotype and physical appearance – which means clitoris instead of penis – will persist.

And what about nipples, I hear you ask? If I guess right! Well, nipples form before the activation of the SRY gene, during those fateful five or six weeks, which means we all get nipples, but only the females end up with breasts attached to them.

During that time, you develop your nipples and ovaries. After the Y chromosome jump starts, it makes sure you do not develop boobies, and your ovaries descend downward and become testicles. If the Y chromosome does not activate at the right time or at all for some reasons, the male will develop with some female characteristics. I wonder if that is where man-boobs come from. Probably not! Those probably come from too much beer and potato chips. Smiles.

So does that mean all human life evolves from females? Could that be why, in the animal kingdom, females are many times the dominant ones? Is that the reason why women are the ones who have the babies? Does this mean women are more evolved than men? I have so many questions about this and how it could possibly explain all kinds of things, including why women always know best. Remember that people. Hey, it is all according to science, and you cannot argue with that! 

You learn something every day when these science researchers are around. It is one of these things that keeps the mind curious. Thanks to AsapSCIENCE people for this. There are lot more discoveries on that channel but this attracted me more.

Baluba Lions make it to Inter-Hall Final

The Baluba Lions won 1-0 to edge Tedder Hall out of the Competition.

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(Must Watch) Top Five Movies or shows of the Moment

1. MONEY HEIST

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Eight thieves take hostages and lock themselves in the Royal Mint of Spain as a criminal mastermind manipulates the police to carry out his plan. It is 18+ Rated which involves violence, sex, nudity, language, substance, and sexual violence. The show is suspenseful and exciting.

2. KING OF BOYS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

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Alhaja Eniola Salami starts anew and sets her sights on a different position of power, fuelled by revenge, regret, and ruthlessness. It is a show that has the like of Sola Sobowale, Toni Tones, Richard Mofe-Damijo and kemi Adetiba. It is 18+ Rated with violence, Language. The show is dark and suspenseful.

3. AFTERLIFE OF THE PARTY

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Cassie lives to party….until she does in a freak accident. Now, this social butterfly needs to right her wings on earth if she wants to earn her wings. Its cast are Victoria justice, Midori Francis, Adam Garcia with its genres based on comedies, romance. The movie is charming, sentimental, quirky, feel Good and romantic.

4. SAS: ROSE OF THE BLACK SWAN

Special Forces operative traveling from London to Paris with his girlfriend takes action when armed, ruthless mercenaries seize control of their train. The movie is full of suspense and excitement.

5) RESORT TO LOVE

Reeling from a broken heart and career meltdown, a singer takes a gig at a swanky island resort- where her ex-fiance happens to be getting married. This movie is charming and Romantic.

To the broken

To wade the trouble of this world

To sing new songs on this cold dark stage

To walk again with these broken legs

To smile again with this broken heart.

This is to the ones that cry at night.

The ones who became men while they were kids

The ones that stretch their arms but no one to grab

The ones who died years ago but still walk the surface.

The ones who lost their way home.

Love will find you. Peace will find you.

Courage will find you and you’ll resurrect.

Your lips shall smile once again and your belly shall be filled with butterflies.

Your heart shall flutter once more.

It seems it’s a slope from here.

It seems death is better.

Summon hope for the future. But for now, stay strong.

“We feel disappointed because of the recent cases of theft in the Hall”- Zik Defence Minister

ZikPress interviews the Defence Minister of the Hall, Enamudu Peter and Chief Security Officer of the Hall, Joshua Ogunrinde concerning the issue of the Hall’s security.

What do you think are the factors responsible for the recent cases of theft in the Hall?

Chief Security Officer: I must say the nonchalant attitude of the members that stay in each room by not locking their doors when going to the toilet, bathroom and their friend’s room and also the nonchalant attitude of the members on each floor that leads to most of the theft cases by not challenging new faces on their floor, and lastly the faulty floor lights that led to total darkness of each floor which makes it impossible to see any movement/activities going on the floor.

As the Chief Security Officer, kindly suggest safety tips Zikites should adhere to with the recent cases of theft in the Hall.

Chief Security Officer

Chief Security Officer: From the analysis of the theft cases, here are the things I will recommend:

1. The floor representatives should make sure that all their floor lights are being fixed.

2. The floor representatives in conjunction with any member of the defense team should check on every room on their floor both day and night once in a while.

3. It will be good if all floor representatives can suggest a code for their respective floors. e.g. If your block is D-block and the floor is 2nd floor then you can develop a code by saying D2 and the person you’re saying it too must reply back by saying 2D.

4. If your roommate mistakenly goes to the next room without locking the door, “vex for am” at that moment and tell him if anything is missing in the room he will be held responsible.

5. If there’s a new face on the floor chat with the person and follow him to where he is going and if the person he ask for is not on the floor kindly see him off, but if seen again on the floor do well to challenge him.

Mr Defence Minister, what has your administration done so far regarding securing the generality of residents of Zik Hall?

Defence Minister: Thank you sir for your question. First off, I am Enamudu Peter Omogagbor aka MrPee. Regarding securing the generality of residents of Zik Hall which is one of my constitutional responsibilities, the administration has engaged in several room-to-room sensitization and security orientation to members of the hall. We, Defence Team have engaged in series of room to room security checks/patrols.

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  Zik Hall Defence Minister, Enamudu Peter

What have been the challenges so far?

Defence Minister: The challenges are numerous to mention a few. I will just classify our challenge into three.

1. The new normal: First of all, The current situation we all face as a result of the reducing the population in a room from 4 down to 2 has kind of exposed the rooms such that anyone can walk into a room and easily scout out loopholes in that room. In addition to, this also affected the Defence Team because most of our members were not accommodated.
2. The school/hall management: They are trying but not well enough to ensure that the rooms locks are in perfect conditions.

The mode of intake of students in the Hall did not favor the Defence Team members which resulted in short of members because 50% wasn’t able to get accommodation. And I’ll use this opportunity to plead with the management to always consider serving members in situations like this.

3. Zikites: A lot of zikites are just too careless about the state of security of themselves and their properties due to over familiarity. “ZIKISM” which is Oneness, Togetherness and Brotherhood seems to have overclouded our security consciousness. You see a lot of zikites leaving their rooms without locking doors and louvers properly also not ready to take personal responsibility of their own security.

What is the disposition of the Defence Team to the recent cases of theft in the Hall?

Defence Minister: I will not lie to you, we feel disappointed because of the recent cases of theft in the Hall which is alarming and zikites expects much from us. But frankly I’ll say to you that we are trying our best to see that theft in the Hall is at a very minimal

What are your admonitions to Zikites at this point on time, especially pertaining to security?

Defence Minister: Those who engage in such activities (theft) should put a stop to it because it will never take them anywhere higher in life. I have always state this out on many occasions that Zikites should:

1. Avoid having lots of friends around because someone who you think may be your friend might end up being the backstabber.
2. Familiarize with those on your floor so as to recognize the strange faces and challenge anybody who is not supposed to be on your floor.
3. Lock your doors at all times either they’re in or out or their rooms.
4. Beware of those who stray around asking for unnecessary info(they could use that to penetrate you) and identify such an individual.
5. When you’re leaving your rooms close all louvres, put off your light, curtain down and inform those next door.
6. Keep gadgets inside inner wardrobe and lock
7. When you are going to bed at night, make sure all doors are securely locked and lights off.

I know one day is coming that we will surely get those we engaged in such activities and they will face the wrath of the law.

Defence Team issues Security Alert

On Saturday, the 4th of September, 2021, the defence team of Zik Hall of Residence, through a special broadcast has urged the residents of the Hall to come together and help in securing the hall against any form of security risk that might befall the hall.

The special broadcast which was sent out to WhatsApp groups of residents of the Hall stated out rules and actions that every student of the hall must follow to achieve the aim of securing the hostel.

The broadcast stated as follows “Please let us all be our brother’s keeper. Situations whereby we hear strange sound next to our rooms, let’s try by checking out who is who“.

The broadcast stated further that “For this to be effective, we should all Avoid having lots of friends around, Identify those on your floor so as to know the unfamiliar ones, Lock your doors at all times, Beware of those who stray around asking for unnecessary info (They could use that to penetrate you), When you’re leaving your rooms close all louvers, put of your light, cotton down and information those next door, Keep gadgets inside inner wardrobe and lock, When you are going to bed at night, and make sure all doors are securely locked and lights off“.

The broadcast further gave specific warnings to those found wanting of committing crimes, saying “For those of you who engage in theft stop such act, if you are caught be sure you’ll be seriously dealt with and face the school management”.

The broadcast also gave a strict warning to those students who smoke inside the rooms pleading with them to put a stop to it and also urged residence to report any theft case to the Hall Chief Security Officer, CSO, and the hall’s Minister of Defence through this numbers: 08105872576, 08147449406 respectively.

HIFL 2021 reaches Semi-final Stage

The ongoing Higher Institution Football League has reached the semi-final stage with UNN, AAUA, and UNIMAID securing spots.

University of Nigeria football team (UNN Lions) at the weekend knocked out high-flying UNIBEN Royals from playing in the semi-finals of the ongoing Higher Institution Football League (HiFL). The Lions edged out the Royals with a 2-1 aggregate win.

In the other game played at the University of Maiduguri Sports Complex, UNIMAID Desert Warriors, defeated 2018 champions UAM Tillers by 3-0 to qualify for the semi-finals on 3-1 goals aggregate.

In the game played at Akungba, AAUA Luminaries qualified for the next round after winning a penalty which they converted and defeating UNILAG Marines. The result of the quarterfinal game between FUTMinna and UNILORIN Warriors will complete the spots for the HiFL semi-finals.

This would be the first time that UNIMAID Desert Warriors, UNN Lions, and the AAUA Luminaries would qualify for the semi-finals of the HiFL.

Finalist of the Week: DY

Like our first two series of the ZikPress Finalist of the week, today we yet again meet with another past Executive of the Hall, who has cemented his place as a force to reckon with, within the Hall as an elder, he is also regarded in some quarters as the most social individual residing in the Hall. Popularly known as DY, we take a look into how this great personality has been able to combine his vast social activities with his academics, while also shielding light to how being a Zikite has improved him. Enjoy!      

Can we meet you?                                   

My name is ADENIRAN ADEDAYO OLUWASEGUN, a 400 level student of Political Science, Faculty of the Social Sciences, and the immediate Past Social Minister Nnmadi Azikiwe Hall, University of Ibadan.

Your Educational Background?

I went to Ideal Comprehensive High School at SAJE, Abeokuta. Then, moved on to St’ Peter College at Olomoore, Abeokuta, for my junior secondary school. For my senior secondary education, I attended Great Foundation Model College.

Can you share your experience in Zik Hall so far?

Well, my experience so far in Zik Hall has been a very great one. Zik Hall has contributed a lot to my growth in social and academic life. I have enjoyed every single day of my life in Zik, I wonder how life would have been if I am not a Zikite. Right from the very first day, I entered into the Hall, I have never regretted being a Zikite.

Can you tell us briefly of your main contributions while in office as the Social Minister?

Fantastic, as the Social Minister of the Republic, I organized Four (4) common pots for Zikites, two in the first semester and two in the second semester, before the Hall week. Also, during my time as the Social Minister, I was able to improve the show of football at the JCR level. As the Social Minister, I organized several gyrations in the Hall, and in other Halls too.

I also organized the Hall week which was tagged “MAFO, ZIK HALL IS WITH YOU”

Your Best Moments in Zik Hall?

Hmmm, like I said earlier I have enjoyed every moment in Zik Hall, but the best I remember very well was the day we did an overnight rally to all the Halls in UI when I was in 100 level. It was awesome.

As arguably, the most social Zikite, how have you been able to manage your social life with academics?

We thank God, it has been the grace of God actually. The first thing I need to say is that the main reason why we are all in school is for academic purpose, so, that must not be left out. I have been able to strike a balance between the two. It’s just Grace like I said.

Whose Administration will you say is still the best so far since you’ve been a resident of the Hall?

As in (Laughs), Otuoke led Administration.

What specific things will you like these present Executives to do or improve on?

They should just try and inculcate the spirit of Zikism itself in Zikites, (Socially, Academically and Sport wise), because Azikiwe never fails, we are known to be the best. The tradition is important.

What Next After Graduation?

I want to continue with my academics, do my Master’s degree and also Ph.D. by the grace of God.

List the Rooms you’ve stayed in the Hall?

100level         B44

200level         B6, 

300level         A75b

And currently in 400level, D 13.

What is your Relationship Status?

I am single but ready to mingle.

Your Advice to Zikites?

Zikites should please inculcate the spirit of Zikism the more, academically, Socially, and so on, Oneness, Togetherness and Brotherhood.

[Detailed] Zik Hall nails Kuti's Defeat at Inter-Hall: Coffin Style

The excitement was palpable, the lions were riled up, the showdown was imminent. Under a cloudy Friday sky Zik Hall sneezed…

It was the second fixture of the Inter-Hall football competition. Zik Hall was set to face Kuti Hall in an already decided match by Zikites. With a nailed coffin, trumpets blaring and the crowd thronging, defeat was out of the option.

At the blare of the whistle, the Zik Hall team side demonstrated an unmatched eagerness to win already. With quick-feeted moves, the attack moved clinically against Kuti’s goal and the first goal of the clash was produced by Jamiu, the stocky full-back, with a powerful blast of his foot. Zikites were aglow.

The pressure mounted with Kuti’s strong counters to secure an early equalizer when a free kick by a team member of the hall of fame deflected off Zik’s goalie to hit the crossbar.

The attack headed by skillful Skinny was fully ramped. Swift ball serves off Afo’s foot got our attackers into the box and secured a 2nd goal for Zik hall in the second quarter of the first half. Thanks to the errors of Kuti’s discombobulated defense line which led to the own goal.

Unfortunately, Skinny had to come off the field after sustaining an injury, minutes before the end of the first half.
The second segment began swiftly but sour for Zik hall when the Baluba lions conceded a penalty in the 31st minute. Kuti hall had their say after converting the penalty into a 2:1 score line.

In the 35th minute Kuti hall had a close call when Afo directed a freekick straight at the goal but Kuti’s No. 1 made good of it. Zik hall, however, came close to conceding an equalizer in the 46th minute, when a Kutite got the ball past Zik’s goalie only to hit the bar to disappointing cries from Kuti supporters. While the match grew more tensed, Kuti’s attacks were continually foiled by unrelenting displays of Zik’s defensive synergy until the final whistle. Zik hall had won and the field was swamped.

Speaking on the team’s performance, Zik hall’s coach, Kester commented that, “I strongly feel our win today was resultant of our attitude. The mentality the team carries is a cracker! The Boys are hungry for the cup and we hope to God that we eventually get to lift the trophy. Today’s win is strongly attributed to the team’s mentality.”

Though it might be thought that both sides were evenly matched, Kester noted frankly that, “It doesn’t matter what people say. Whether or not Zik won narrowly, the two teams being evenly matched, we set out on a journey into the competition with the aim of getting all three points attainable in matches and we’ve done just that. We should be proud of a win no matter the scoreline.”

Zik Hall will face the winner between Tedder Hall and ABH. In the spirit of Zikism, victory is sure.

Why we won't carry Coffin to our match against Tedder- Chairman, Zik Hall Supporters' Club

ZikPress interviews Okoh Daniel, the Vice Chairman of Zik Hall who doubles as the Chairman of Supporters’ Club of the Hall. He talks about the activities of the Supporters’ Club among other things.

The activities of the Supporters’ Club have been massive. What has been the drive?

What I can actually say has been the major drive for the massive activities which the Supporters’ Club has been carrying out since the beginning of the session, is basically the zeal that each member of the club has for the betterment of the Hall. As we all know that effective mobilization is part of our tradition, and we won’t let that die during our time.

What is the orientation behind the Coffin carried to the Zik Hall versus Kuti Hall Match?

The coffin carried to the Zik Hall versus Kuti Hall match was just to let them know that their football talent would be buried. This was done by the 1965/1966 set too. We are the terror on the field and burying the talent of our opponent was not a difficult task.

Should we expect the massive turn-up for Zik versus Tedder Hall match on Thursday?

Definitely, there would be a massive turn up for Zik versus Tedder on Thursday. It is mandatory for every Zikite to support the Hall during any competition and in oneness, togetherness, and brotherhood, we never fail in coming together as a body.

What about the Coffin? Is Zik Hall nailing another Coffin on Thursday?

Oh… Nailing coffin against Tedder Hall? That would actually be a waste of time and resources. We only made a coffin against Kuti Hall because we had plans to bury the football talent of the Hall but Tedder Hall has no football talent to be buried.