Recall that the NUJ in the defense of one of his colleague, Olajide Osoba who was allegedly molested at a function in Abeokuta by supposed members of the students body issued a ban on all activities of the association till further notice.
Speaking at the resolution meeting held at the NUJ Secretariat on Wednesday, the Chairman of Ogun NUJ, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju acknowledged that the mutual relationship between the two bodies was eroded by the ugly incident.
He noted that though the aftermath of the incident is still in court, he is however pleased that the students association have shown remose, while separating it's functions from that of the Governor's aide, who happens to be the claimant in the suit.
Olanrewaju lamented that students mobilisation and activism in the past was unlike what is obtainable today, where struggles have been reduced to political praise singing, and partisanship.
He however charged the new crop of students leaders to remain steadfast, endeavour to bring back the lost image of the association and uphold the integrity of activism with our recourse to money bags.
"During our days as students union leaders, we will dare not influence to the decision of the students when the elections are coming up. It is unfortunate that when we left school, the whole thing has degenerated.
"We began to see students negotiating with management, deciding on the table, student leaders engaging with government because of financial gains.
"When I became the chairman of the NUJ, we extended our hands of fellowship to the students unions but what came out of it is a clear departure from what we used to have.
" A trend that is really disturbing, extremely disturbing is that someone who is working with the state government now becomes the Alpha and Omega of the students' movement in the state", he said
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the NANS/Ogun JCC, Comrade Gabriel Abiola Francis, said lthough NUJ and NANS have over the years worked hand in hand to solicit support for not only for the students, but also for the general well-being of the people of Ogun State, but there has been some changes in the past six months in the two bodies.
"Over the years, we have witnessed how the NUJ and the NANS have worked hand in hand to solicit support and solidarise not only for students but for the general wellbeing of the people of Ogun State.
"However, it is quite unfortunate that about five or six months ago, some issues arose between both bodies, issues which, I strongly believe, were based on miscommunication and misrepresentation.
"Today, as the Chairman of this great association, I am here to clear all doubts and reaffirm that the leadership of NANS holds journalism in the highest regard.
"We understand the power and influence of journalists, especially in this 21st century where the media plays a critical role in shaping public opinion and promoting transparency.
"We are ready and committed to supporting the NUJ in every way possible, particularly concerning the present issue at hand.
"The leadership of NANS Ogun JCC is here today to reiterate our unwavering commitment and support to the Council. At any given opportunity, we are ready to work hand in hand with the NUJ, not only on this matter but beyond it.
"We also wish to make it clear that NANS Ogun JCC will not, under any circumstance, initiate or support any conflict or misunderstanding between NUJ and NANS. I am aware of certain publications issued in the name of NANS, which the leadership knew nothing about.
"Therefore, going forward, NANS will no longer issue press statements indirectly. We will engage directly with journalists to ensure that information comes from the authentic leadership and from the “horse’s mouth,” preventing individuals from issuing unauthorized statements on behalf of our organization", He stressed.
