𝗢𝗚𝗨𝗡𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗨 𝗢𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗘, 𝗔𝗕 𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗜𝗧𝗢 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗜𝗕𝗔𝗗𝗔𝗡
In a world characterized by divisions, labels, and countless societal boundaries, there exists a unique enclave where the bonds of camaraderie transcend the boundaries of age, class, and occupation. This enclave is none other than the Kegites Club, a close-knit community that thrives on a sense of communality, unity, and connection among its members, no matter where they may find themselves. Members of the Kegites Club share a commitment that extends far beyond the usual drinking of holy Ajara and the rhythmic gyrations, as they stand together in times of need, offering unwavering support and friendship that goes beyond the ordinary. Being identified as a member of this illustrious club has not only provided many with an invaluable network of support but has also showcased the extraordinary power of the community in overcoming the most unexpected challenges. The Kegites Club has not only been a source of strength but a testament to the enduring strength of human connection, and it is in this club that I have discovered the profound significance of unity in an ever-divisive world.
For many campus journalists, the aspiration to see our work published in a national newspaper represents the pinnacle of our ambitions. The dream of having our byline gracing the pages of a prestigious publication, accompanied by our own headlines, is a testament to the dedication and passion that drives us as budding wordsmiths. The pursuit of this goal is not merely about ego or self-aggrandizement but a profound desire to make a meaningful impact with our stories, to shed light on critical issues, and to contribute to the national discourse. To have our reporting recognized at a national level is not just a personal achievement; it is a recognition of our commitment to uncovering the truth, informing the public, and inspiring change. And as an active campus journalist at the University of Ibadan, mine is no exception. I am an active member of the Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ibadan (UCJUI), the mother body of all registered campus press organizations with my departmental press organization, the Association of Communication and Language Arts Students Press Organization (ACLAS PRESS) being a member. As part of the activities targeted at sharpening the journalistic prowess of the members, my department’s press organization was holding a workshop for us on the 13th of December, 2022 at the Student’s Union Building and the facilitator is Mr. Sam Nwaoko, the Deputy Editor of the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper, Nigeria’s oldest private national newspaper, who is also an alumnus of the department.
As I walked into the venue of the training, my anticipation was met with a scene that instantly commanded my attention. The facilitator, a soft-spoken middle-aged man, exuded an air of wisdom and experience that filled the room with an aura of reverence. His presence alone seemed to be an embodiment of the very essence of journalism, and as he began to speak, his words held a depth of knowledge that instantly resonated with my fellow campus journalists. We sat in rapt attention, our notepads and pens poised in readiness, hanging on his every word as he delved into the intricacies of various journalistic realms. The session was really informative and he ended with a promise to support campus journalists with good stories to get published in the Tribune Newspaper. This information was greatly received by campus journalists present as he gave out his work mail for us to send our stories. However, as the session neared its end, he began to regaled us with tales about his experience while on campus and that was when he mentioned a piece of information that piqued my utmost interest, he was a member of the Kegites Club while on campus and he was the Ab Elda during his keg year. I could not hold my excitement on learning about this as I screamed, “Fada, I doff” from where I was sitting. “Who awa?”, He fired back at me and I comradically introduced myself as the then Ab Pourer National and we tika with the golden finger salute to the amusement of other participants in the hall as they looked on at the exchange of what they termed esoteric and strange language and greeting. I met with him after the session ended and he gave me his direct line and encouraged me to send in a good story and gave me insights on what makes a publishable story in a national daily. I began to work hard on writing the story and after a bit of delay, forth and back on editing and getting additional information on the report, my report on the expectations and desires of Nigerian students was published in the February 11, 2023, publication of the Nigerian Tribune making it the first and only published story among those of us at the training the other day of which my colleagues were excited and glad for me. It was indeed elating how being a member of the Kegites Club has undeniably,
enabled me to develop a more cordial relationship with the facilitator ahead of others at the training. This experience has emphasized the importance of unity in diversity, transcending societal boundaries and prejudices and going forward, it is essential for all I am Karid to continue to uphold and promote
these values of inclusivity and to jettison any divisive elements that may threaten this unity. The Kegites factor has illuminated the path towards a more
harmonious world, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that we continue to embrace and champion these principles of togetherness,
understanding, and acceptance, not only within the club but in society as a whole. In a world that often seems divided, the Kegites can serve as a shining example of how unity can thrive amidst diversity, and it is a legacy we should be determined to preserve.
