The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has officially lifted the media ban previously imposed on the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State Chapter, following a peace and reconciliation meeting held at the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta.
The resolution meeting brought together the leadership of both organizations, marking the end of months of misunderstanding and paving the way for renewed collaboration between the media and the student community in the State.
Speaking during the meeting, the Chairman of Ogun NUJ, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, emphasized the importance of responsible student leadership. He urged the current NANS executives to uphold the values of integrity, independence, and discipline that once defined the student movement in Nigeria.
He also expressed concern over growing external influence in student politics, calling on the NANS leadership to restore the association’s lost image and independence.
“During our time, student leaders were guided by principles and courage. Decisions were made in the collective interest of students, not under external influence. I urge this generation to bring back that spirit,” Comrade Olanrewaju said.
While appreciating the Ogun State Government under Prince Dapo Abiodun for its continuous support for education and the media sector, the NUJ Chairman reaffirmed the Union’s openness to constructive partnership with credible youth and student groups.
In his remarks, the Chairman of NANS Ogun Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Comrade Gabriel Abiola Francis, described the meeting as historic, noting that previous misunderstandings arose from miscommunication and misrepresentation.
“We in NANS hold journalism and journalists in the highest regard. We recognize the vital role the media plays in shaping public opinion and promoting transparency. I want to categorically state that the current leadership of NANS will never support or encourage any form of attack or defamation against journalists,” he said.
Comrade Francis further appealed to the NUJ to lift the media restriction previously placed on NANS publications, stressing that the association had taken concrete steps to ensure that only authorized statements are issued by its leadership going forward.
“From now on, all official communications from NANS Ogun JCC will come directly from the authentic leadership. We seek mutual respect and cooperation, not confrontation with the press,” he added.
Following deliberations, both parties agreed to reconcile and strengthen their partnership for the collective benefit of students and the public. Consequently, Ogun NUJ announced the lifting of the media ban on NANS Ogun JCC, signaling a new era of cooperation and mutual understanding.
Comrade Olanrewaju concluded by commending the maturity displayed by the NANS leadership and pledged that the Council would continue to support all legitimate student-oriented initiatives aimed at promoting education, youth development, and good governance.
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