The unveiling of The Compatriot newspaper brought together journalists, legal practitioners, security officials and industry stakeholders who stressed the importance of responsible journalism and leadership.

Speakers said the new publication aims to promote truthful storytelling, celebrate outstanding achievements and encourage national development.

Managing Editor outlines mission of the newspaper

Delivering the welcome address, Managing Editor, The Compatriot Newspaper, Joshua Uloko said the event marked both a celebration of excellence and the birth of a new journalism platform.

He described the occasion as a moment dedicated to recognising individuals whose work has positively impacted society.

 “Distinguished guests, eminent personalities, members of the press, award recipients and ladies and gentlemen, good day. It is with immense joy and a deep sense of honour that I welcome you all to this remarkable occasion – the Compatriot Excellence Award and Man of the Year Ceremony, alongside the official unveiling of our newspaper.”

Uloko said the award was created to recognise individuals who demonstrate integrity, innovation and service to humanity.

According to him, celebrating such achievements helps inspire others to pursue leadership and excellence.

 “We gather to recognise individuals whose lives and work have left a lasting impact in their fields and communities. The Compatriot Excellence Award was created to honour men and women who exemplify integrity, innovation, service and dedication to humanity.”

He noted that acknowledging achievements can encourage others to pursue impactful leadership.

Uloko also explained the motivation behind launching the newspaper.

 “Today’s event also marks a historic milestone – the unveiling of our newspaper. This publication was established with a clear mission: to amplify positive stories, promote responsible journalism and provide a credible platform for information that inspires development and unity.”

He added that the publication aims to highlight excellence and encourage accountability in society.

 “In a world where news often emphasises negativity, this platform will highlight excellence, celebrate achievers, promote accountability and give voice to stories that drive progress in our communities and across the nation.”

Uloko urged the audience to support the new platform and its vision.

“Our goal is simple yet powerful: to foster truth, professionalism and the celebration of excellence. Through this newspaper, we aim to encourage responsible leadership, inspire younger generations and promote dialogue that contributes meaningfully to the development of society.”

He concluded by inviting stakeholders to embrace the publication as a platform for positive change.

“Ladies and gentlemen, today represents two intertwined ideals – the celebration of excellence and the launch of a platform for impactful storytelling. I invite you to support this vision, champion the awardees and embrace the newspaper as a beacon of truth, recognition and positive change.”

Police call for responsibility and partnership

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Lagos, CP Saadat, commended award recipients for their contributions to professional excellence.

She said recognition often comes with higher expectations.

 “To whom much is given, much is expected,” she said.

The police chief encouraged recipients to maintain their standards and continue contributing to national development.

She added that the Nigeria Police Force would continue working with stakeholders to build a better Nigeria.

Legal practitioner says recognition inspires dedication

One of the honourees, Barrister Animashaun Ajani Moruf, described the award as an honour and encouragement to continue serving the justice system diligently.

 “It is a privilege from God to be selected among peers and contemporaries,” he said.

The legal officer attached to the Force Criminal Investigation Department said the recognition reflects dedication to duty and professional commitment.

Moruf explained that his core responsibility as a prosecuting counsel is ensuring effective prosecution of suspects in criminal cases.

According to him, diligent prosecution helps secure convictions and contributes to a crime-free society.

He added that previous recognitions, including an award received in November and an upcoming Rainbow of Fame Award, continue to motivate him to perform better.

Media must remain fearless – Actors Guild spokesperson

Speaking with journalists at the event, Cornell Udofia, Public Relations Officer of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, stressed the importance of truthful reporting.

He said the media plays a crucial role in holding leaders accountable.

 “The media must always stand for truth and seek truth from those in power,” he said.

Udofia added that balanced journalism requires acknowledging good performance while criticising failures.

He also advised journalists to remain courageous and committed to ethical reporting.

Why the launch matters

Nigeria’s media landscape continues to evolve with the emergence of new platforms seeking to shape public discourse.

Industry observers say responsible journalism remains vital in strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring transparency.

Newspapers and digital media platforms also play a role in documenting achievements and encouraging civic participation.

What’s next for The Compatriot

Organisers say the publication will focus on governance, leadership, human-interest stories and national development issues.

The newspaper also plans to continue hosting annual Excellence Awards to recognise individuals making positive contributions in different sectors.

Workers at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) in Okitipupa, Ondo State, have begun a seven-day peaceful protest over what they describe as injustice by the institution’s governing council.

The workers, operating under the Joint Action Congress (JAC), gathered in large numbers at the university’s main gate on Tuesday, chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards.

JAC is a coalition of three unions: the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

Protesters held placards with messages including:

“Council led by Adesomoju is Illegal,” and “Council, For Peace to Reign, Give to Caesar What Belongs to Caesar.”

Other banners read: “Council Chairman Must Go, Bye Bye Adesomoju” and “Don’t Deny Our Members Their Promotions.”

Why it matters

The protest highlights growing tensions between university workers and governing councils in Nigerian tertiary institutions, where disputes over promotions, governance, and tenure often disrupt academic activities.

Industrial actions can affect students, research schedules, and the broader academic calendar.

In this case, union leaders say the protest could halt administrative and technical services across the institution for several days.

Unions accuse council of abuse of office

Speaking during the protest, JAC chairman Bobola Bamigbola said union members had withdrawn their services for seven working days.

He said the action would continue until the university management and the Ondo State Government address their concerns.

“The chairman of the governing council, Prof. Akinbo Adesomoju, is engaged in abuse of office and high-handedness, which is inimical to the development of the institution,” Bamigbola alleged.

He also accused the council of blocking the promotion of two union members who had reportedly passed the required examinations.

“Two of our members who passed their examinations were summarily denied promotion by the council chairman.”

Bamigbola further claimed that the council chairman had exceeded the legal limit of his tenure.

“We also state unequivocally that Adesomoju must step down as the council chairman for breaching the provisions of the gazette establishing this institution.”

According to him, the gazette limits the council chairman to two terms.

“But Adesomoju is occupying the seat illegally in his third term.”

He warned that the unions might pursue legal action if their demands are ignored.

“We shall continue this protest for seven working days and withdraw our services until our demands are met,” Bamigbola said.

“If Adesomoju refuses to step down, the union will explore other lawful actions, including appropriate legal steps.”

Council chairman rejects allegations

The governing council chairman Akinbo Adesomoju rejected the accusations, saying promotions are handled collectively by the council and follow established rules.

“I am not the council; I am just the chairman, and any decision taken on issues in this institution cannot be said to be taken by me alone, but by the governing council at large,” Adesomoju said.

He added that the unions were within their rights to protest but insisted that institutional procedures must be followed.

“Well, the unions have the right to protest, but there are laid-down rules and regulations for promotions, and except those rules are met, the council will not accept anything short of that.”

Adesomoju was appointed the pro-chancellor and pioneer council chairman of the university on March 6, 2008.

What’s next

Union leaders say the protest will last seven working days unless the Ondo State government and university authorities intervene.

If the dispute continues, workers say they may escalate their action through legal channels or extended industrial action.

For students and staff, the outcome could determine whether university activities resume normally in the coming days.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has pledged to complete several abandoned projects at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) in Okitipupa.

The governor made the promise during the university’s 9th convocation ceremony, where 1,452 students graduated across different academic programmes.

He said completing the stalled projects would improve the learning environment and strengthen higher education in the state.

Why the promise matters

Across many Nigerian universities, unfinished infrastructure projects have become a major challenge.

Buildings started by previous administrations are often left incomplete due to funding shortages or policy changes.

At OAUSTECH, several major projects have remained unfinished for years.

They include the School of Science building, School of ICT building, and students’ hostels funded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who is the Visitor to the university, was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa.

“I am proud to announce that we will complete the outstanding abandoned projects by OSOPADEC and NDDC, including the School of Science Building, ICT building, and road projects started by the previous administrations,” the governor said.

“These projects will further enhance the learning environment and contribute to the overall development of the university.”

Link to Ondo’s development agenda

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the commitment aligns with his administration’s EASE agenda, which focuses on Education, Security, Agriculture, Entrepreneurship and Infrastructure Development.

He also said the government would strengthen collaboration between the university and surrounding communities.

According to him, such cooperation could help Ondo State tap into the opportunities of the blue economy, particularly in coastal communities.

“Our EASE agenda… is a testament to our commitment to building a better Ondo State,” he said.

Vice-Chancellor highlights growth

The Vice-Chancellor of OAUSTECH, Temi Ologunorisa, said the university had recorded major growth in recent years despite infrastructural challenges.

He explained that the institution had expanded both academically and in student population.

The number of faculties increased from three to seven, while student enrolment rose from about 5,000 to nearly 12,000 within five years.

Prof Ologunorisa also highlighted new programmes introduced by the university.

These include BSc Cyber Security, BSc Marine Science, BSc Meteorology, as well as postgraduate programmes in Engineering and Engineering Technology.

“The education you have received here has equipped you not only with knowledge and skills, but also with values of excellence, integrity and services,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

“As you step into the world, remember that the future belongs to those who dare to dream and act on their dreams.”

Graduation highlights

The university said 1,452 students graduated during the 2024/2025 academic session.

The breakdown includes:

50 First Class graduates

594 Second Class Upper Division

691 Second Class Lower Division

115 Third Class graduates

The overall best graduating student was Wale Isiah Agboola from the Electrical and Electronics Department with a CGPA of 4.90.

Dominion Oyindamola Akinwunmi from the Computer Science Department emerged the best female graduating student, with a CGPA of 4.89.

The Vice-Chancellor also announced that Oluwaseun Adesina Olukoya became the first PhD graduate produced by the university, earning a doctorate in Mathematics (Complex Analysis).

What the governor told graduates

Governor Aiyedatiwa congratulated the graduating students and urged them to make meaningful contributions to society.

He said their education should be used to drive progress and development.

“I charge you to be ambassadors of our University, to uphold its values and to strive for excellence in all that you do,” he said.

Ceremony and recognition

The convocation ceremony attracted politicians, academics, traditional rulers, industry leaders, students and parents.

Prizes and cash rewards were presented to outstanding graduates, particularly those who achieved First Class honours.