By Morolani Oluwafemi 

The Great Independence Hall Press organization has officially inaugurated the editorial board for the 2026/2027 academic session on Friday, October 16, 2026.

The hangout held at the Great Independence Hall Junior Common Room marked the official transition within the editorial leadership of the organization.

In attendance were current members of the organization as well as members of the alumni network.

Delivering the welcome address, the current editor-in-chief, Gbayesola Samuel started his speech by appreciating individuals present for the event while recounting achievements of his administration.

“We started this administration on a funny note. I must say, this position has exposed my incompetent in several areas but I really appreciate my editorial board and predecessors for their support at various instances,” he said.

He also highlighted the various achievements during his administration, including the improved online visibility across the organisation’s social media platform, partnership with FactCheckAfrica and the collaboration with AFAS press.

Speaking at the event, Aduwo Ayodele, a former IndyPress Editor-in-Chief (2023/2024 academic session), commended editor-in-chief while emphasizing the need to do more.

Also speaking, Mr. John Dare Okafor, the IndyPress editor-in-chief 2021/2022 academic session, encouraged members present to take their commitment to the organization seriously.

“Another thing you have to know is that all these skills you are building now, they are transferable. You have a lot of transferable skills now. I work in operations, and a lot of the things I do now, have to still do with communication. So, don’t jeopardize this: this bond, don’t treat it anyhow,” he said.

He also charged members present to uphold the legacy of the organisation.

“Please support Samuel, support your Deputy Editor-in-Chief. Do the work. Send your articles early. Don’t default to sending in articles. Don’t look like you’re too small. You can do a whole lot from this organization,” he added.

IndyPress Former Entertainment Editor, Mr John Eriomala also commended the editorial board for the 2025/2026 academic session while encouraging current members to be more dedicated.

“If you want to do it [Journalism] beyond UI, do it well, otherwise it’s no count. If you want to do it only within UI, still do it well, so that you know that at least this thing that is taking your time that doesn’t pay you money, you are the best or you’re getting the best,” he said.

 

The organization is to be led by Gbayesola Samuel as the Editor-in-Chief, Diran Laolu as Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Abdulrashed Olokoto as the Managing Editor, Rauf Mujeeb as Feature Editor , Babatunde Emmanuel as Online Editor, Molorani Oluwafemi as the Sports Editor and Fawaz Balogun as the News Editor for the 2026/2027 academic session.

IndyPress Organisation is a 42-year-old local press organization, situated at C-Block Constituency, Great Independence Hall of Residence, University of Ibadan.