By: IndyPress News Desk 

The Great Independence Hall Press Organization, University of Ibadan, inaugurated its new Editorial Board on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

The inaugural ceremony, held at the Press Secretary, saw an official transition within the editorial leadership of the organization.

Delivering his inaugural speech, Sonaike Peter, the outgone Editor-in-Chief of IndyPress, reflected on the challenges faced by his administration, while highlighting the impact the organization made on the student community.

Charging the new Editorial, Sonaike Peter encouraged the new leadership to continue to prioritize stories that matter, hold power to account and uphold the creed of journalism.

“Always bear in mind that IndyPress is an organization that exists to champion student interests. It is on this very note that you must ensure the organization, as conscience and the heartbeat of the  student community, continues to tell story that matters, raise the consciousness of the students, and speak truth to power even when it is not comfortable,” Sonaike Peter, the Outgone IndyPress Editor-in-Chief charged the new Editorial Board.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Olusegunfunmilola Olopade, former IndyPress Editor-in-Chief (2017/ 2018), enjoined the new Editorial to work as a team and ensure IndyPress does not die under its watch.

“Congratulations to the outgoing Editorial Board. You guys have really done well. To the new Editorial, work as a team and ensure that IndyPress does not die under your watch,” Mr. Segunfunmilola Olapade said.

Mr. Kelvin Omachonu, the IndyPress former Editor-in-Chief (2022/2023 academic session), encouraged members of the organization to maximize the opportunities that IndyPress as a platform provides. Mr. Kelvin further charged members to hone their journalistic skills.

He said, “ All the opportunities I enjoy today, it was through IndyPress. Beyond being a member of the organization, excellence is something you have to pursue.”

The former IndyPress Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Timilehin Akinmoyeje, emphasized the importance of reporting stories that are relevant to the University community.

He further explained that he achieved his first gig as a journalist through being a member of IndyPress.

Aduwo Ayodele, the former IndyPress Editor-in-Chief (2023/2024 academic session), commended Sonaike Peter-led administration, while emphasizing there is more to be done in the world of campus journalism.

Describing IndyPress as a striking example, Aduwo further charged the Editorial Board to be committed to high standards of journalism without entertaining any form of compromise.

He said, “Conscience is an open wound, only the truth can heal it. The burden of journalism and being a member of IndyPress is so heavy so much that it cannot be carried and at the same time it cannot be dropped. My charge to the new Editorial Board is that it must carry the burden of journalism even when it is not comfortable.”

Delivering his inaugural speech, Gbayesola Samuel, the new IndyPress Editor-in-Chief, encouraged the new Editorial not to shy away from serving the student community through the pen.

“The legacy of excellence and commitment to telling impactful stories has been upheld by previous administrations. Our aim as campus journalist will be to seek the mission of the press and fulfill it.” he said.

He concluded his speech by posing a question to members of the organization present at the event as a challenge to remain commitmented to their journalistic duties.

“Lets have this in mind as a question as a charge to keep us committed; When the pen loses its voice , who suffers?”

The organization is to by led by Gbayesola Samuel as the Editor-in-Chief, Diran Laolu as Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Abdulrashed Olokoto as the Managing Editor and Feature Editor, Favour Ogundare as Online Editor, Patrick Ezihe as Politics Editor, Favour Adeyemi as the Sports Editor and Abdullah Oladejo as the News Editor for the 2025/2026 academic session.