By O.V.Collins
The Association of Campus Journalists, University of Benin (ACJ UNIBEN), has elected a new President, Owobu Maureen, and other new executives to pilot the affairs of the association for the 2023/2024 academic session. The inauguration, which took place on Monday, 22nd April 2024, was attended by members of the association. The contestants went through a rigorous election process, which was declared transparent and fair by observers.
The new executives are:
– President: Owobu Maureen, a 400-level student of the Department of Educational Management
– Vice President: Okuns Promise Bukola, a 500-level student of Law
– Secretary-general: Ogbitse Meyiwa, a 400-level student of Linguistics
– Director of Finance: Oyinlola Ayomide, a 300-level student of Sociology and Anthropology
– Public Relations Officer: Bakare Zainab, a 300-level student of English and Literature
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Ikegima Elizabeth, expressed satisfaction with the process, saying the electoral victory was well-deserved.
In her acceptance speech, the new President, Owobu Maureen, thanked the members for entrusting her with the responsibility and pledged to take the association to greater heights. She said:
“I want to say a big thank you for the opportunity to serve as the President of ACJ, UNIBEN. First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all of you for entrusting me with this important role. It is a privilege to be part of such a vibrant and dynamic community of young journalists who are passionate about the power and the pursuit of truth.”
Reaffirming the association’s commitment to its mission, she urged the members to not act as just observers, emphasising: “As we gather here today, we are not just inaugurating a new leadership team; we are reaffirming our commitment to the principles of integrity, objectivity, and excellence in journalism. At ACJ UNIBEN, our mission is clear: to be the voice of our campus, to shine a light on the stories that matter, and to hold those in power accountable. We are not just observers; we are active participants in shaping the narrative of our university and our community.”
Miss Owobu added: “As your president, I am committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment where every member of our association feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique talents and perspectives. Together, we will strive to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in our work, while also embracing innovation and creativity in our storytelling.”
Maureen also promised to give a listening ear to the ideas and complaints of every member. “So I plead with each and every member of the association to join hands with the members of the executive council to make the association a great and unique one. I promise to give every member the opportunity to express their ideas and lay down their complaints,” she continued.
Furthermore, she stated: “In the days and months ahead, let us work tirelessly to promote the profile of ACJ UNIBEN, to expand our reach and impact, and to inspire the next generation of journalists who will follow in our footsteps.”
She concluded with a vote of thanks, saying: “I want to thank each and every one of you for your dedication, passion, and unwavering support. To the outgoing executives, I want to say a big thank you for your contribution towards the growth of the association so far. God bless us all and God bless ACJ UNIBEN.”
The outgoing President, Odabi Collins Victory, in a letter addressed to the new President, expressed confidence in her abilities. He said: “As you embark on this journey, I want to take this opportunity to convey my utmost confidence in your ability to lead the ACJ UNIBEN with distinction, integrity, and vision. Your passion for journalism, coupled with your proven track record of excellence and your dedication to the ideals of truth, transparency, and accountability, position you as the ideal candidate to steer this association towards even greater heights of success and impact.”
Odabi Collins, the three-time President and also the Pioneer President of the Association, assured Maureen of the support of the alumni body, stating: “As you assume the mantle of leadership, I want to assure you, as I have several times, that you do not embark on this journey alone. You have the full support and solidarity of your executive team, the entire membership body, past leaders and alumni, and a wealth of resources and institutional knowledge at your disposal. Together, we stand ready to collaborate, to innovate, and to overcome any challenges that may arise, as we work towards our shared goal of advancing the mission and objectives of the ACJ UNIBEN.”
The Association of Campus Journalists, University of Benin chapter, is a vibrant association that aims to promote journalism and media excellence among students of the university. With this new leadership, the association is poised to continue its mission of nurturing future media leaders and contributing to the development of the Nigerian media landscape.
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