The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, Prince Leke Adegbite, has been honoured with a Leadership Award by the Social Sciences Students’ Association (SOSSA) of Adekunle Ajasin University.
Adegbite received the award on Thursday during a public lecture and leadership award programme organised by the students’ body at the Nelson Mandela Hall of the institution.
The recognition, according to the organisers, was in appreciation of Adegbite’s quality leadership and contributions to journalism and media development in Ondo State over the years.
The event, themed “Nigerian Security Challenge and Its Politics of Blame Game,” attracted academics, traditional rulers, students, and other prominent stakeholders from within and outside the university community.
Represented at the event by journalist, Adeboye Ado, the NUJ Chairman urged students to remain focused on their academic pursuits while embracing hard work, discipline, and dedication as keys to success in life.
He appreciated the students for recognising his contributions to the media profession and commended the institution for producing graduates making positive impacts in different sectors across the world.
Speaking earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, described the lecture topic as timely and relevant considering the prevailing security challenges confronting the country.
“The choice of the topic is timely and courageous. The competence of the guest lecturer is not in doubt. I commend the association for organising this lecture because it contributes meaningfully to national development,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Owa-Ale of Ikare-Akoko, Oba Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin, praised the President of the Social Sciences Students’ Association, Mogaji Oluwatosin, for his leadership qualities and commitment to student development.
The monarch encouraged students to embrace entrepreneurship and job creation opportunities while remaining optimistic about the future despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.
In her remarks, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Adesuyi Adebukola, stressed the need for urgent and practical solutions to insecurity in the country, noting that security challenges had become a global concern.
She referenced the recent abduction of school pupils in Oyo State and called on leaders and stakeholders to move beyond blame games and work collectively towards lasting solutions.
“Without security, meaningful development cannot be achieved. It is time for all stakeholders to work together towards finding lasting solutions to the challenges confronting the country,” she said.
Delivering the keynote lecture, the Vice-Chancellor of Achievers University, Prof. Oyesoji Aremu, lamented the negative impact of insecurity on Nigeria’s economy and educational sector.
He disclosed that security concerns had prevented him from accepting several academic engagements in different parts of the country, while calling for stronger regional cooperation and improved support for security agencies battling insecurity nationwide.
