Ogun NUJ Lifts Media Ban on NANS, Seals Fresh Partnership Deal

Ogun NUJ Lifts Media Ban on NANS, Seals Fresh Partnership Deal

The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has lifted the media ban earlier imposed on the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State Chapter, after a reconciliation meeting held at the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta.

The peace meeting, which brought together leaders of both bodies, marked the end of months of strained relations and opened a new chapter of cooperation between journalists and the student community in the state.

Chairman of Ogun NUJ, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, underscored the need for responsible leadership within the student movement. He urged the NANS executives to recommit to the values of integrity, independence and discipline that once characterized student activism in Nigeria.

He expressed concerns about increasing external interference in student politics and challenged the current NANS leadership to restore dignity, credibility and autonomy to the association.

“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,” Olanrewaju said.

The NUJ Chairman also commended the Ogun State Government under Prince Dapo Abiodun for its continued support for education and the media sector, reaffirming the Union’s willingness to collaborate with credible youth and student organizations committed to development.

In his remarks, Chairman of NANS Ogun Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Comrade Gabriel Abiola Francis, described the reconciliation as historic. He attributed earlier disagreements to miscommunication and reaffirmed NANS’s respect for journalists and the media’s role in promoting transparency.

“We in NANS hold journalism in the highest regard. We recognize the vital role the media plays in shaping public opinion and promoting accountability. The current NANS leadership will never support or encourage any form of attack or defamation against journalists,” he said.

Francis appealed to the NUJ to lift the media restriction and assured that the student body had strengthened its internal communication structure to ensure only authorized statements are issued.

“Going forward, 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.

After exhaustive deliberations, both parties agreed to reconcile, rebuild trust, and work collaboratively for the collective interest of students and the wider public. The NUJ thereafter announced the immediate lifting of the media ban on NANS Ogun JCC.

Comrade Olanrewaju commended the maturity displayed by the NANS leadership and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote education, youth empowerment and good governance in Ogun State.

The report was signed by Comrade Bunmi Adigun, Secretary of the Ogun State Council, Nigeria Union of Journalists, on Wednesday, 12th November 2025.