“Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill it, or betray it.” — Frantz Fanon

For the sustainability of any organization, one generation arrives as another departs. The cycle continues that the legacy may be preserved. Each generation is peculiar and different, but one thing remains constant: the mission. This mission serves as the blueprint and the track on which those who follow must tread. It is our responsibility to commit to the sustainability of this mission.

The press, as the Fourth Estate, has proven to be more than just a watchdog or a check on power, it has, among other institutions, distinguished itself as an avenue to amplify the voice of the unheard. The guiding principle “When the pen loses its voice, who will suffer?”  is  beyond just a mere rhetorical question but a reality that must not leave our conscience. The duty of the press was not betrayed instead was rightly dispensed in the previous administrations led by Sonaike Peter.

The previous editorial leadership, without entertaining any form of cowardice, pursued hard and human-interest stories in the University community, including pressing issues affecting students and non-students alike. The poor remuneration and outsourcing of UI sanitation workers, the untold struggles of the University of Ibadan Distance Learning students, NELFUND issues, the administrative misconduct of Indy Hall student leadership and more were given fair, accurate, timely and proper reportage.

The mandate of journalism cuts across various aspects of society, and this guides our operations at IndyPress Organization. Having established that journalism is a service to the society, we must find it as a rite to use it as a tool to champion student interests and raise the critical consciousness of the student community. Our approach is guided by a drive for human impact stories, particularly within the student community, ensuring that student welfare is held paramount by their representatives.

The previous administration did not slack in its commitment to uphold justice. From investigative articles that shed light on the excesses of power, to timely reports that kept the community informed, the standard was set high.

Looking forward, there is a standard to be upheld.

A legacy of excellence and commitment to truth has been passed down by one administration to another. It is now our duty that this legacy must not be handled with a shallow hand.

As we step into this new era, we are reminded of the words of Philip Graham: “Journalism is the first draft of history.” We intend to write that history with integrity. Our role to educate, inform, and advocate through the pen will not be traded on the table of compromise. It is the duty of the press to stay true to its mission, being free from the influence of others so that it can uphold truth, objectivity and fairness independently and at the same time stand as a credible source of information and tool of revolution.

The 41-year old organization, IndyPress,  to be led by Gbayesola Samuel as the Editor-in-Chief, Diran Laolu as Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Abdulrashed Olokoto as Managing Editor and Feature Editor, Favour Ogundare, as Online Editor, Patrick Ezihe as Politics Editor, Favour Adeyemi as Sports Editor, Abdullah Oladejo as News Editor and Ambali Olayinka as Health Editor will continue to uphold the creed and integrity of journalism just as the previous administration has done.