Zik Hall Addresses Food Safety Measures and Improved Hygiene in Meeting with Cafeteria

Beatitude

In response to recent rumors surrounding cases of food poisoning at Zik Hall Cafeterias, Boluid and Newflava cafeterias, a crucial meeting was convened on Wednesday, July 26, at Zik Hall JCR.

The meeting, led by the Assistant Hall Warden, brought together Hall supervisors, executives, and representatives from both cafeterias to discuss the pressing concerns and implement necessary measures.

Hygiene Improvement Takes Center Stage, one of the primary points of discussion during the meeting was the urgent need for hygiene improvement in the cafeterias. To combat the potential risk of food poisoning, all food vendors were adjourned to be more proactive with their cooking practices and ensure strict adherence to hygiene standards. This includes thorough inspections of ingredients and foodstuff to maintain the highest quality and safety standards.

Moreover, Hall management has taken the responsibility of regularly inspecting the vendors’ stalls to enforce proper sanitation protocols. By conducting routine checks, they aim to ensure that all food handlers comply with hygienic practices, thereby safeguarding the health of the students who depend on these cafeterias.

The Hall Chairman, proactive in his approach to prevent future incidents, made several suggestions during the meeting. Firstly, he requested the provision of pumping machines by the Hall management to ensure a steady supply of clean water to the cafeterias. This step is deemed essential in maintaining the hygienic conditions required for food preparation and handling.

Furthermore, the Chairman emphasized the need for pruning of the mango tree near the cafeteria and consistent fumigation to reduce the presence of house flies and other unhygienic  insects. By doing so, the Hall aims to create a more hygienic environment, minimizing the risk of contamination.

In addition, the management addressed the importance of proper waste management to prevent diseases carried by flies from waste areas to the cafeteria. A concerted effort will be made to manage waste effectively and keep the surroundings clean, ensuring a healthier environment for students and staff.

To address water supply concerns, vendors also proposed drilling a borehole to access clean water. This proposal will be examined carefully by the Hall management to evaluate its feasibility and potential benefits.

During the meeting, the Hall management discussed the impact of rumors on campus. They advised the executive committee to handle rumors responsibly and prevent the spread of false information. It is essential to maintain transparency and provide accurate information to prevent unnecessary panic among the student body.

Moreover, the Defense Minister raised concerns about various issues contributing to student frustration and outbursts. These concerns included electricity and water supply problems, which the Hall management has pledged to address promptly. By attending to these grievances promptly, they hope to improve overall student satisfaction and well-being.

The meeting held at Zik Hall JCR on Wednesday, July 26, marked a crucial step toward ensuring the safety and well-being of students. By focusing on hygiene improvement, implementing proactive measures, and promptly addressing student concerns, the Hall management aims to create a healthier and more conducive environment for Zikites.

The Hall management has assured that they will remain vigilant in monitoring the cafeterias’ operations and collaborate with all stakeholders to maintain the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. Through such collective efforts, Zik Hall is poised to overcome the challenges it faced and emerge as a safer and more resilient Hall of residence.

FOOD POISONING: REACTIONS POUR-IN AS STUDENTS RECOUNT ORDEAL.

Sailor

Reactions have continued to trail the ZHPO’s special report on the food poisoning situation in Zikhall, which was reported on Saturday 15th of July, 2023, as many students have come out to add their own experience and ordeals after eating at the cafeteria.

A large number of reactions have trailed the news report with many given their thoughts on the situation in the comment section of the report, while others have had similar reactions on various Whatsapp platforms about their experience of food poisoning from the cafeteria.

One of the respondent in the comment section named, Jackson, took us through how four of his church members fell victim to the issue of food poisoning at the cafeteria in the last one month, leaving them hospitalized for days.

Another respondent, Ceewhy, shed more light on the situation ” I was also a victim of this… 4 other of my friends are suffering from this as I type.”

Other similar responses to the articles have been coming in thick and fast, with a few of them captured in images below:

In reaction to the report, The Student Union President, Tobilola Samson (HOST) in a reply, acknowledged the situation report and promised to take up the report. He promised to set up a union task force, with units that will be saddled with health complains which includes cafeteria inspection and grading. He also assured that he has discussed with the deputy dean of students and promised moves are being made to curtail the situation.

One would hope that, the recent outcry and the call to action will be taken up by the student union as promised, but also that the school and hall management should find means of rectifying the situation to the barest minimum. It is best to find a lasting solution to this problem, as one would not want a case of a more severe occurrence to rare its ugly head in the nearest future.

Food Poisoning Outbreak: Uncovering the Untold Stories of Zik Hall Cafeterias

By Àkóbí Láaróyè

Bisi, a 400-level student of Electrical Engineering, found himself famished and exhausted one night last session. He decided to stop at Boluid for dinner before heading to the library for an all-night study session until daybreak. However, instead of the white rice he ordered, he was served fried rice. The attendant informed him that white rice had run out. Disappointed and slightly paranoid, little did he know that his night was about to take a turn for the worse.

Despite finishing the plate of fried rice, the real trouble began on his way to the library. Bisi and his friend, who had also consumed the rice, started experiencing excruciating stomach pain and eventually vomited all the food they had just eaten. Neither Bisi nor his friend had been sick prior to their meal. Their plans for a night of studying were abruptly canceled as they returned to Mellanby, enduring the agonizing pain throughout the night. It was clear that the food they had consumed at Boluid had caused them to suffer from food poisoning.

Unfortunately, this has been the experience of several others who have contacted food poisoning in either of the Zik cafeterias, both recently and in the past. While cafeterias in UI are time-savers for students, especially during exam periods when cooking becomes a luxury, many flock to either Boluid or New Flava for their food needs. These two cafeterias, in particular, attract a significant number of students. Bisi and others like him often leave their halls and make their way to Boluid or New Flava in Zik to purchase their meals.

Like Bisi, a significant number of students have also fallen victim to food poisoning, especially from Boluid. 

Charles, a Law student, also shared his experience with Zik Press:

So, a friend and I bought swallow from there one night. Specifically, we ordered Amala and egusi, the usual stuff. We took our meals as takeaways and went our separate ways. However, that night, I started experiencing severe stomach ache and diarrhea. At first, I wasn’t sure if it was from the cafeteria, but when I spoke to my friend in the morning, he said he was feeling the exact same symptoms. His roommate, who had also purchased food from Boluid a few hours before us, experienced the same thing overnight. So, it definitely had to be from there.

 

According to reliable sources, the most common symptoms of food poisoning include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, even dehydration.

 

One of the past executives,  Akinkunmi (not real name) experienced these exact symptoms after consuming food from Boluid during the Salah break:

In the morning, I had a meal at Boluid. At night, I bought bread and fried an egg. The next morning, I started experiencing frequent purging. It was evident that something was wrong with my internal system, and I became very weak. Throughout the day, I had purged three times. I was supposed to attend a victory party celebration for a friend, but I had to cancel because of my condition. By that time, the food poisoning had already left my internal system and was manifesting externally as a fever.

He also conveyed that he suffered from dehydration and had to take ORS to treat himself.

Another victim of food poisoning mentioned witnessing Boluid workers fetching water from one of the Awba Dam tanks in front of B Block, which he suspects could be one of the causes of the outbreak.

Our reporters reached out to Boluid restaurant to inform them and get their reaction. They informed us that the above mentioned executive and some of the new executives have already raised the issue with them. Our reporter was also granted access to inspect the cafeteria and can confirm that it was clean. The restaurant staff also confirmed to us that they have had a meeting with the executives and New flava on the outbreak, and were told to desist from using the Awba dam waters to process consumables.

 

However, prior to this meeting, the former Health minister, Johnpaul averred that he once accosted the two cafeterias regarding the issue. He said:

“Boluid mentioned that no one has complained to them. New flava mentioned that they are working to correct food making choices after some complaints."

In the same vein, we reached out to the reach the immediate-past Hall Chairman, Moriselade Soladoye-Adewole, but he keeps ignoring the several texts sent to him by this reporter.

However, the best approach to embattle the situation would be to conduct random inspections to these cafeterias. Also,the responsibility of ensuring safe consumables for students goes beyond the sole effort of the health minister, as other factors like the food ingredients themselves could be vectors responsible for the disease. 

Cases of food poisoning still persist in Zik as at the timing of this report, and we believe many victims are still suffering in silence, as just only a few of them were comfortable sharing their stories with Zikpress, with many of them pleading anonymity. 

P.S: most of the names in this publication have been altered to keep the identity of the victims secret. 

Tackling Food Poisoning debacle: Cafeterias Organize Tank Washing Exercise

By Ahoy

The management of Zikhall cafeteria on Thursday July 20th 2023, embarked on tank washing exercise and other required measures to tackle issues of poor hygiene

In response to the food poisoning report which went viral last week, the management of the Zikhall cafeterias have taken measures to rectify the reported issues, as they embarked on tank washing exercises and improvement of hygiene around their various spots.

The Hall Chairman, Adeniji Uthman (Yamburger) has assured that necessary measures are being taken to rectify the issue of food hygiene within the hall.

In a chat with the hall chairman, Hon. Uthman, he assured that they have talked to the affected cafeteria management about what is needed from them. And has also assured that measures are being taken to tackle issues that were raised by the report.

“We’ve reached out to them and talked to them about hygiene and what we need from them. And in fact we have actually fixed a meeting between the cafeteria owners and the hall management which will be on Monday”.

“As we are speaking, New Flava is washing their tanks and Boluid washed theirs yesterday. And we also talk to them about what we need them to do for us about hygiene and other things related to it”.

He shed light on how the previous article has brought about bad publicity for the hall and showed the hall in a bad light which has led to him receiving negative calls from all and sundry. He also talked about speaking to the hall warden and the management on the matter and mentioned that a meeting has been set for Monday between the hall management and the cafeteria, to deliberate on the matter and rectify the issues reported.

It is a welcome development that measures are being taken to rectify the issues raised. And there is hope that such issues will be well managed in the future as students prepare to resume for the new session.

Unilag's Drastic School Fee Hike Leaves University of Ibadan Students in Suspense

By Beatitude

In a recent development yesterday, July 20, the University of Lagos (Unilag) administration convened a crucial meeting and made a startling decision to increase school fees substantially.

The announcement caught many students off guard, as the fees were raised from the previous #21,000 to a staggering #100,750, and for students in the College of Medicine, the fees were raised from #140,000 to #190,000. The sudden hike has left students at the University of Ibadan (UI) on edge, anxiously awaiting their institution’s decision regarding the next session’s school fees.

This move has sparked heated debates and discussions both within Unilag and other Federal institutions that are awaiting their institutions’ decision.

The news of Unilag’s fee hike has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the University of Ibadan students. With the upcoming session, Uites are filled with apprehension as they anticipate their own institution’s response to the rising financial pressures.
As rumors swirl, various figures within the University of Ibadan have voiced their concerns and worries.

Speculations indicate that the University of Ibadan might increase its school fees to either #135,000 or #120,000. This uncertainty has added to the growing tension among the students, many of whom are already struggling to meet the existing tuition costs.

One student, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed their fears, saying, “I’m really nervous about UI’s decision, and I pray it will favor us. The thought of a significant fee increase in this already ill economy is distressing.” Another student raised an alarm, noting, “An increment of our school fees might cause some students to drop out, as many of us are already burdened by the current fees.”

While universities contend with the increasing costs of running educational institutions, the prospect of higher fees is raising concerns about access to education and the potential impact on the student body’s composition.

The University of Ibadan’s administration is yet to release an official statement regarding the matter. Students, parents, and stakeholders await the management’s decision anxiously, hoping for a solution that balances the financial needs of the institution without depriving deserving students of access to education. In the midst of economic hardships and uncertainties, Nigerian universities must strike a delicate balance between financial sustainability and ensuring that education remains accessible and affordable for all. Only time will tell how the situation unfolds and how the University of Ibadan will address the concerns of its worried and nervous student body.

Zik Hall Potter Announces Delayed Form Sales for Returning Students Pending Arrival of New Hall Warden

By Beatitude

In an unexpected turn of events, the Zik Hall pottery has revealed that the sale of forms for returning students have been temporarily suspended until the newly appointed Hall warden assumes office on August 1, 2023. 

This announcement has surprised many Zikites, prompting inquiries about the allocation process and the implications for the upcoming academic session. This revised approach deviates from the usual process, and the potter acknowledged that Zikites may have been anticipating the customary form sale.

One of the Zik Hall potters, addressing the concerns of the existing students, emphasized that the suspension of form sales is a temporary measure necessitated by the impending arrival of new students. The pottery administration aims to prioritize the allocation of spaces for incoming students before proceeding with the sale of forms for existing students to secure any remaining vacancies. “It’s understandable that Zikites may have been expecting the sale of forms as per our regular practice, but this time, it’s different,” explained the Zik Hall potter. I urge all Zikites to remain patient and trust that once the new Hall warden is in place, everything will be attended to accordingly.”

The pottery community eagerly awaits the arrival of Dr. Adelekan Okunlade, the newly appointed Hall warden from the department of Veterinary Medicine, who formerly served as the assistant Hall warden of Indy Hall. Dr. Adelekan’s official assumption of office on 1st of August, 2023 heralds a new chapter for Zik Hall, with expectations of fresh perspectives and positive changes.

As the Zik Hall pottery prepares for this transitional period, students are encouraged to maintain their composure and have faith in the incoming Hall warden’s ability to address their accommodation needs. The administration assures Zikites that the allocation process for existing students will resume promptly once the new Hall warden assumes office.

August 1, marks a significant milestone for the Zik Hall of residence, as Dr. Adelekan Okunlade assumes his responsibilities and embarks on the journey of fostering a vibrant and supportive living environment for Zikites. The pottery looks forward to a promising future under his guidance, and students can anticipate a renewed sense of camaraderie and growth within the community.

Rejigged Zik Steamrolls Past Bello

By Akinjide Adebowale

Coming from a disappointing friendly where Ransom Kuti Hall toppled over Zik with a 3-0 scoreline, the Baluba Lions made a remarkable comeback by overwhelming Sultan Bello Hall in their second friendly match held at the SUB Stadium. The match concluded with a resounding 4-0 victory in favor of the title holders.

Played around 5pm, the match showcased Coach Genesis Ikas employing a more adventurous attacking approach and a stronger defense compared to the game against Kuti. Tomide opened the scoring, with Afolabi and Francoburger also registering their names on the scoresheet. However, the highlight of the match came when the sports minister himself, Jamiu Kareem, slot home a brilliant goal from a dead ball situation.

Kareem’s goal from a free kick opportunity emphasizes the level of preparedness exhibited by Zik as they head into the tournament. In one-off knockout tournaments like the inter-hall, such fine margins can often determine the outcome of a game.

Speaking about the significance of the win as the tournament draws near, Ikas emphasized that the victory was crucial for the backroom’s mo morale and mindset after the loss to Kuti.

“I believe it is the reaction we desired after that defeat. While we still have work to do as a team, we are certainly on the right track,” he conveyed.

On the flip-side, if Zik Hall and Kuti advances further in the tournament, we might be witnessing a rematch of the Zik-Kuti game, this time in a competitive and larger atmosphere.

We are not scared of Zikhall – ABH Coach

Zik vs ABH: Unveiling the Opposition’s Mind

By Thunder Balogun

On the 12th of July, the terror on the field,  the Nnamdi Azikwe Hall football team go toe-to-toe with the Alexander Brown Hall football team in the opening match of the inter-hall competition; a match that promises to be enthralling, dust-puffing and exciting. 

While Zik walk into this competition as the defending champion, looking to secure the ultimate prize two times in a row, the Alexander Brown Hall coach, Mark Obeya,  does not see Zik as too much of a threat that should be dreaded. 

In this light, this reporter approached Mark to torchlight into his thoughts, tactics, preparations, expectations and analysis towards this huge face-off.

Good morning, Mark.

Good morning.

Can you please introduce yourself? 

I’m Mark Obeya, a 6th year MBBS student. The coach of the ABH male football team.

How has been your preparations for the match against Zik football team? 

The preparation is going well.

Do you think you have what it takes to beat the Baluba Lions?  

It is a game of football and as long as it is 11 against 11, anyone can win or lose. So, I guess we’ll have to wait for the final whistle to know but yes, I have trust in my players.

You trust your players to beat the Baluba Lions, is that what you are saying?

If Zik do not think they can beat us, they won’t be coming to the game, would they? So, yes it is because we also think we can win, that is why we are coming for the game. So, at the end of the full time, we will see what happens.

What do you think is Zik’s major strength?

Generally, they have good and strong players and a lot of options to choose from, and that a lot of these players play competitive high level games frequently.

Are you scared of Zik?

In any case and to be clear, I’m not. If I were, I’d not be preparing for the match or showing up at all.

Zik has a popular saying that “they are the terror on the field, Azikwe never ever fails”, what do you think of that?

I think it is cute but I have seen them fail a number of times in different things whether sports, public speaking and anything else. Let us see if they will succeed in this one and many times in the past, even in this same competition, they haven’t been terrifying enough. So, maybe they are terrors of the field or can be or maybe not, that is not really our business on this side. It is theirs.

Who won the last inter-hall football competition?

I think the inter-hall that was supposed to hold last time was cancelled due to Covid. I think this is the first inter-hall since then. The last one was 2018 and ABH lost in their first round to Indy. I was in Tedder Hall then.

Zik won the last inter-hall football competition.

Okay. What year was that?

2021. Is that not terrific enough?

It is cute and to what end is this question, dear pressman?

What can you say about Zik football tactics?

I can’t say i know about that. It will be left for their coaches to determine.

Do you know the coach of the Baluba Lions?

No, I don’t.

What is your score line prediction?

I’m not a fan of predictions. So, I can’t make one but I expect a good game.

Who do you think has a better ancestral sport excellence between Zik or ABH?

I don’t have the answer to that because I don’t have data for it but I do know that ABH has had some of the best footballers from UI. We should also consider the fact that a lot of Brownites over the years are people that crossed from Zik and other UI main campus and halls. So, if we were to consider it, I don’t know if it will be statistically accurate or not to include the contribution of those Brownites to Zik hall excellence or that of ABH.

Thanks for your time. I hope you make your ancestors proud next week Tuesday. 

The match is Wednesday and thank you.

Oh! my bad. Thanks for correcting me. Final words?

Nothing much except that I look forward to the match and I expect a good game.     

The UI'SRC 10th Assembly: What Will They Do Differently?

By Akinjide Adebowale

On July 8th, before the dissolution of the 9th Assembly of the UI’SRC, the floor was opened for recommendations by the former speaker, Rt. Hon. Olatoye Eniola. Various issues were raised regarding the upvotes and downpoints of the 9th Assembly and recommendations for the 10th Assembly.

One of the concerns raised came from a representative of Awo Hall constituency, who highlighted the lack of involvement of the SRC in groundbreaking projects. It was observed that the SRC had relegated itself while delegating the sole-responsibility of executing groundbreaking projects to the executives, reducing themselves to the backbench of only rubber-stamping budgets. The representative expressed disappointment, stating that the SRC had tainted its image to the students populace as a body who only engage in never-ending arguments, with little to show in terms of significant achievements.

What is the role of the SRC, anyway?
These were some of the questions posed by Agboola Adedotun, the representative of Renewable Natural Resources. Currently, the student community feels disconnected from the activities of the SRC. It is difficult to find even 100 students who can recall the name of the immediate past speaker; ironically there is hardly a student who cannot identify with Mascot and the recently elected Samuel Samson Tobiloba.
Furthermore, apart from the position of the AGS, all other executive positions in the recent executive elections were hotly contested. This was not the case in the UI’SRC elections in Kenneth Mellanby Hall, where there is a deficit in the number of representatives compared to the slots allotted to the hall.

Recommendations:
Hon. Adedotun further emphasized the low publicity of the SRC’s activities and recommended implementing a structured plan to track the progress of the 10th Assembly. Additionally, he raised the issue of the SRC generating funds for itself. One of his major recommendations was establishing connections with politicians and paying visits to the state house of assembly. This would strengthen the bond between the UI’SRC and mainstream honorable members, thereby providing financial sources for the SRC.

Will Omotunde’s SRC Change the Narrative?
During the plenary session today, the water-logged state of the venue caught the attention of everyone present, honorable members and observers alike. It was impossible to walk between the two rows of chairs without tiptoeing to avoid getting soaked in still waters. This situation reflects the current state of the apex legislature of the student body. How can a body that cannot take care of its own needs adequately address the needs of the students?

However, this does not undermine the 9th assembly in how it has discharged its primary duties, which include frequent deliberations and passing bills. In fact, during today’s plenary session, a First Aid Bill passed its second stage.

Taking all of this into account, this reporter conducted an interview with the speaker to discuss how he plans to implement these significant recommendations.
For starters, Honorable Olamide Liam Omotunde appeared committed to publicizing the activities of the union. He acknowledged the manifesto of the PRO, Adetona Tosin, which aims to disseminate information through the board of PROs in UI. He assured this reporter of his dedication to ensuring that important information from the house gets publicized.

To prioritize capital projects, Hon. Olamide mentioned the establishment of a committee dedicated to identifying projects that can benefit the student body. Throughout the interview, the speaker repeatedly emphasized his commitment to working with the executives. He stated that the future of the SRC chamber will be decided upon by the house and the house secretary.

Breaking— Olamide Omotunde from ABH Elected As UI’SRC Speaker

By Ibn Yahweh

The University of Ibadan Student Representative Council (SRC), elects Hon. Olamide Omotunde as the Speaker of the 10th Assembly on Saturday, July 8, 2023.

The election which took place at the floor of the SRC house, saw a total of 114 votes casted with two voids. Hon. Omotunde Olamide (Liam) polled a total 57 votes to beat off his opponent Hon. Oluwole Gbenuola who got 55 votes.

Hon. Omotunde olamide is a former Zikhall representative who is now representing the interest of Alexandria Brown Hall, ABH. He just like the President Samson Oluwatobiloba share a common origin as former Zikites who continued their journey in ABH.

In other developments, Inubile Moyinoluwa representing Independence Hall constituency has emerged Deputy speaker of the UI’SRC 10th Assembly elections unopposed. He polled 75 of 99 votes.

In addition, Akinwusi Oreoluwa also emerged as the Chief Whip of the UI’ SRC. The newly elected Speaker, Honourable Olamide Omotunde appointed her; and she garnered 2/3 of the votes of house members present. She also emerged unopposed.

Furthermore, Odu Faith was nominated, by the Speaker, as Clerk of the house. She emerged Clerk after polling 79 of 98 votes.
The meeting, convened by the Speaker to elect Principal officers, was adjourned till the next sitting – which would be communicated.

Zik Hall Welcomes New Executives

By: Akinjide Adebowale

In a handover ceremony held on the 5th of July at the Junior Common Room, Barrister Oke, the Assistant Hall Warden, led the procession as the new set of executives took their oath of office. The Hall Chairman, Adeniji Uthman (Yamburger), addressed various important issues concerning the hall. 

One of the key issues addressed by Yamburger was the preservation of the hall’s tradition. He appealed to the hall management to consider revamping the allocation system in order to accommodate both freshers and finalists in the same rooms. Currently, the accommodation system segregates freshers, staylites, and finalists into different blocks, which hinders the transfer of values associated with the Zikism tradition.

Yamburger also raised concerns about the inadequate water supply in the halls. He explained that the lack of water is primarily due to the insufficient number of tanks in areas where the pumping machines are operating.

In response to these issues, Barrister Oke expressed his commitment, with the next hall warden, to ensuring a reliable water supply in the hall. He expressed his dissatisfaction with Zikites having to struggle for water, especially during examination periods.

Furthermore, Barrister Oke affirmed that he would collaborate closely with the next administration to illuminate the quadrangle and ensure full access for Zikites to the Junior Common Room (JCR).

As a gesture of appreciation, certificates of service were presented to the former executives during the event.

UI Pays Up to 90 Million Naira Monthly Electricity Bill, Says UI VC

By: Akinjide Adebowale

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale says that the school pays up to the tune of 90 million naira in monthly electricity bills.

Giving a speech during the handover ceremony of the new Student Union executives and legislative members at Trenchard Hall on July 4th, Professor Kayode Adebowale shed light on the challenges the university faces regarding the high cost of electricity supply.

The Vice Chancellor emphasized that the monthly allocation received from the federal government is inadequate to meet the university’s electricity needs. He disclosed that the school currently receives a monthly disbursement of 15 million naira from the federal government, which is sometimes not fully disbursed. Additionally, he revealed that the average electricity bill incurred by the university amounts to 90 million naira per month, not including the expenses for generator maintenance.

Furthermore, he highlighted the university’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of students. He recounted an example of that underscores this claim:
“during your exam period, the electricity supply to this university was disconnected, you won’t know, but the administration, we had to run around, and say “no”, we cannot allow it. Within 24 hours, the electricity supply was restored”.

While speaking on how the university generates power, the Vice Chancellor clarified that the school currently draws its electricity from the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), which is a distribution company, not an electricity generation company. However, the university has been working on transitioning from the IBEDC to directly generating power from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). To that end, he announced that the university has obtained approval for the establishment of a 33kv station, which will significantly reduce electricity tariffs by 50 percent upon its full implementation.

UI Interhall returns: as Zikhall kickstart preparations.

Sailor

The Nnamdi Azikwe Hall sports team have begun preparations for the forthcoming UI Interhall sports competition which is schedule to take place between the 5th of July and 12th of July 2023.

The preparation for the Interhall sports competition kicked off immediately after the end of academic and political activities in the school, with the Zikhall Sports team already making strides in preparation for the big event.

In a chat with ZHPO, the Zikhall Sports Minister, Jamiu Kareem, speaks of the team being readily prepared for the competition as they hope to defend their crown in the footballing competition and maintain the Hall’s prestige as a frontrunner in sporting activities as it relates to the university of Ibadan.

Unlike other years, the Interhall competition is not going to be about football alone as other sporting activities have been included, with a total of 15 sports being lined up for the competition.

In respect to other sports, Mr. Kareem assured that most of this sport activities will feature Zikhall, as there have been readily made preparations for the hall to have representatives in every sports that has been scheduled to take place in the Interhall competition.

It will be recalled that Zikhall emerged triumphant in the last footballing edition of the Interhall tournament, and as a result becomes heavy favorite for the competition. There is a big expectation that the hall will put up a good showing in the defence of her crown.

InterHall Returns: Zik Hall to Face ABH

Maestro

On Monday, July 2nd, the University of Ibadan Sports Council convened to finalize the arrangements for the long-awaited InterHall tournament.

The tournament had experienced several delays due to the demanding nature of the semester, as well as the Student Union elections that followed. Additionally, financial constraints had contributed to the postponement of the tournament, as conveyed by the Students’ Union Sports Secretary, Olawale Joshua.

During the meeting, football fixtures were determined, and it was revealed that Zik Hall, the defending champions, would face ABH in the opening match. The excitement will kick off with the opening ceremony scheduled for July 12th at 3:00pm.

The Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall Sports Minister, Jamiu Kareem, revealed the complete fixtures for the tournament, which are as follows:

Day 1
Zik Hall vs ABH
Bello Hall vs Kuti Hall

Day 2
Mellanby Hall vs Indy Hall
Tedder Hall vs Abdul Salam Hall

The interHall had already been scheduled to start on the 5th of July, but had been postponed till next week as a result of the need to reach out to both the Vice Chancellor who would be present at the official kick off of the tournament and other important principals of the university. In addition to that is the need to get officials for the games, as Jamiu Kareem had clarified.

ADIEU IROKO: Baluba mourns the passing of one of her own; as Zikhall joins UI in performing candlelight procession.

The men of Baluba Kingdom, both present and of the 1980s, on Sunday, 2nd of July, 2023, gathered for a March and tribute night of former hall chairman and hall warden, Prof Opeyemi Isaac Ajewole.

The march started on two fronts, from both Zik hall and the deceased’s faculty. The separate party met at the SUB, from where they proceeded to UI GATE, after which they returned to Trenchard Hall.

The Zik procession wore custom Black shirts and bore candles as they marched through the school before heading to Trenchard where the event was held. The procession had in attendance Zikites who stayed in the hall with the deceased. They sang mournful songs denoting the Zik tradition.

The chairman of Nnamdi Azikiwe hall , Moriselade Soladoye-Adewole spoke on behalf of the Baluba forces. He spoke of the first time and the last time he met the deceased which was to seek support for the Zik Tradition week and the Hall Week. He spoke of how he (Prof Ajewole) had pledged his financial support both times. The second time they met, which was three weeks before his demise, the deceased had promised to support whenever he was needed.

The tribute night was attended by  a representative of the Vice chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale  and his predecessor Professor Abel Olayinka alongside other distinguished school staff and faculty and departmental heads notably the faculty of agriculture and faculty of renewable natural resources and also the department of the deceased, Social and Environmental Forestry. They all extolled his wonderful qualities.

Prof Ajewole passed away earlier in the month of June, having been murdered by unknown assailants, moments after he was kidnapped on the 5th of June 2023. The funeral activities of Prof Ajewole continue till Tuesday, 4th July, 2023.

Nnamdi Azikiwe Literary and Debating Society Inaugurates new excos

by KG

Nnamdi Azikiwe Literary and Debating Society inauguarates new Excos

Nnamdi Azikiwe Literary and Debating Society on Saturday, the 1st of July, 2023 inauguarated a new set of executives.

This is coming after the series of turmultous events that has rocked the society in the past few months, events which saw the ex-president Omotayo Ajibola resign abruptly before the Zik vs Bello Jawwar clash, which catalyzed Zik Hall crashing out of the competition.

Recall that Tayo was expelled from the society after his decision to drop his speech few hours to the jaw war face-off against Bello.

Consequently, Tijani was appointed Interim President following Tayo’s expulsion from the society to this point.

Tijani, in past few weeks have represented Zik Hall at Lord Tedder Hall’s Word War IV, winning his category as the best speaker.

The new set of executives as called out by Ogbonna Chiziterem are: Alexander as Financial Secretary, Oyedijo Olanrewaju as the General Secretary, Oluborode Daniel as the Speech Coach, Akinjide Adebowale- the PRO, Tijani Abdulkabeer- Vice President and Bodunde Ebenezer- President.

The new president, Bodunde Ebenezer, popularly known as Speaking Eben, while giving his presidential address, preached the need for members of the society to inculcate hard work and dedication. He stated that the focus of his administration would be on training rookies, building public speakers irrespective of Jawwar or any competition.
He further clarified that there are the thinkers, the writers and the speakers in the society; promising to dedicate training to their respective strengths as he believes that there is great potential in Zik Hall.