The newly elected Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Comrade Olabode Farouq Success, paid a strategic courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju.
The meeting, held at the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre in Abeokuta, was aimed at fostering a robust relationship between the student leadership and the media to ensure accurate reportage of student affairs across the state.
During the visit, Comrade Olabode Farouq Success emphasized the weight of leadership and his commitment to restoring the integrity of the student movement.
He noted that his administration is focused on leaving a lasting legacy by shifting the narrative of student activism toward intellectual engagement and constructive dialogue.
He expressed a desire to work closely with the NUJ to amplify the voices of students and highlight the challenges they face within various ivory towers.
Addressing the historical context of the student movement, the JCC Chairman lamented that the system had become “bastardized” over the years, leading to a loss of respect for student leaders.
He vowed that under his watch, the JCC would reclaim its position as a formidable authority that government and school managements must negotiate with on equal footing. He stressed that his leadership would prioritize the welfare of Ogun State students above personal gain.
The Ogun NUJ Chairman, in his response, shared insights on the importance of individual responsibility in office. Drawing from the reflections of past leaders, he reminded the new JCC Chairman that while mentors offer wisdom, the ultimate success or failure of this administration rests solely on his shoulders.
He urged the student leader to avoid “voluntary slavery” to political interests and to maintain the independence of the NANS JCC.
The NUJ Chairman also highlighted that true leadership maturity is not dictated by age but by the “footprints” left behind through service and intelligence. He encouraged Comrade Olabode to be a leader of character, noting that the media would be watching closely to hold the administration accountable.
He promised that the NUJ would provide the necessary professional support to ensure that student-related news is handled with fairness and depth.
The visit concluded with a commitment from both parties to maintain an open line of communication for the benefit of the public. Comrade Olabode Farouq Success thanked the NUJ leadership for their fatherly advice and pledged to return in six months with a progress report on his achievements.
This partnership marks a significant step toward bridging the gap between the organized press and the largest student body in Ogun State.
