“Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed: everything else is public relations” — George Orwell

Everything with a beginning must surely have an end. So was with my position as the 41st Editor-in-Chief of IndyPress Organization. Ayodele Aduwo handed over the leadership mantle to me on March 3, 2025, as Acting Editor-in-Chief, and officially as Editor-in-Chief on August 1, 2025, after sustaining the age-long tradition of excellence the organization is known for.

Under Aduwo’s administration, IndyPress remained relentless in being the conscience of the student community, telling stories that matter and holding power to account, even when it was uncomfortable. Just Like his predecessors, he raised the bar both editorially and administratively.

Before coming to the University of Ibadan, I had already fallen in love with journalism. My two role models, Edmund Obilo and Isaac Brown, exposed me to the core essence of journalism through their enriching radio programs. I joined IndyPress in my 200 level. I still remember vividly that the press form was sold to me by Aduwo when he served as the Managing Editor of the organization. Little did I know he would someday hand over to me as the Editor-in-Chief.

Our Commitment to Service So Far

When the baton was passed to me first as Acting Editor-in-Chief and later as Editor-in-Chief, I was overwhelmed with fear. Leading an organization as big and storied as IndyPress felt daunting. To be an ordinary member of the organization is already a burden, talkless of leading the organization as the ultimate leader. But with the solid support of my Editorial Board and members, we were able to sustain the legacy of the organization to a remarkable extent.

From the outset, I shared with my Editorial Board the direction I wanted the organization to take. As the conscience of the student community, I understood that every action and decision (editorial or administrative) must have a direct impact on students’ lives. Our focus,  at every weekly meeting,  was on stories that mattered. Only stories aimed at addressing pressing issues affecting the University community and raising its consciousness were always given priority.

So far, we have spoken truth to power through our pen. Our Feature Desk addressed pressing issues affecting students and non-students alike, including the poor remuneration of UI sanitation workers, issues around NELFUND and more. We also reported on emerging issues such as the ‘unsolicited’ fines unsolicited’ fines imposed on Katangites, the student residents of the Great Independence Hall of Residence, and uncovered administrative misconduct of the hall’s student leadership.

Through our editorials, we raised subjects around accommodation struggles, the University of Ibadan Students’ Union dependency, accountability concerns, and other critical matters. Our Sports Desk spotlighted and highlighted the lives of UI athletes and kept students updated on sports events.

Our News Desk remained consistently active, keeping the community informed about what is relevant and worthy of consumption These, of course, were not new, they were built on the foundation laid by my predecessors. From the moment we assumed leadership, we knew championing the student voice was not negotiable, but a must. IndyPress was, is and will always be the People’s Press.

Our Challenges

The journey was far from easy. Many of our reporters made immense sacrifices, sometimes at the expense of their academics. Some were denied accommodation for speaking truth to power. Running an organization as big as IndyPress demands not just competence and commitment. It is capital intensive. Our reporters spent their own money to pursue urgent and important stories. Some were harassed in their pursuit of accountability. We also struggled with a shortage of members, but through consistent recruitment efforts, we were able to fill those gaps. Despite all odds, we pushed through.

Now, the baton has been passed. The new Editorial Board, and the members of the organization at large, to be led by Gbayesola Samuel, will continue to uphold the age-long legacy of serving the student community. As always, the organization will tell stories that matter, raise the consciousness of students, and hold power to account.

The University community can be rest assured that IndyPress will remain steadfast under the new leadership. It is our duty and call.