The Public Voice

In a tragic turn of events this December, stampedes at charity events across Nigeria have claimed the lives of dozens, highlighting the growing desperation caused by the country’s severe cost-of-living crisis. These deadly incidents, which took place in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra, have drawn national attention to the urgent need for better crowd management and safety protocols at public gatherings, especially during times of economic hardship. Ibadan Tragedy: A Fatal Christmas Funfair The first tragedy occurred on December 18, 2024, at a Christmas funfair in Ibadan. Over 5,000 children gathered at Islamic High School, drawn by the promise of free food, gifts, and financial assistance. However, the overwhelming turnout led to a deadly stampede as the event began. At least 35 children lost their lives, with six others sustaining injuries. The chaos unfolded when the event organizers arrived to commence the proceedings, and the crowd surged uncontrollably. Security forces were called to r...

The 2023/2024 Freshers’ Week wrapped up on a high note, literally, on December 21, 2024, with a thrilling mountaineering adventure. The event may have started a few minutes behind schedule, but the energy quickly picked up as everyone paired up for the climb. Partners became instant teammates, lending helping hands and words of encouragement when the trail got tough. It was heartwarming to see friendships forming with every step upward. And then came the view. Oh, the view! Standing at the top of the mountain, we were greeted with a stunning panorama of the entire university. From the halls of residence to the academic blocks, everything looked so peaceful from up there a picture-perfect aerial shot of our campus. But that wasn’t all. The fun truly began at the top! Hosted by the Director of Socials (Alpha) and a lively co-MC, the event featured games that had everyone laughing and cheering. From a spirited round of hide-and-seek to showcasing hidden talents, vibing to old-school hits,...

The 2023/2024 Freshers’ Symposium for the Department of Public Administration was a blend of heartfelt welcome, profound wisdom, and an introduction to the vibrant academic and social life awaiting the new students. A Warm Start The program began on a gracious note with a welcome by the Anchor, followed by an opening prayer led by one of the freshmen. The recitation of the school anthem added a touch of tradition, setting the tone for the day. Each freshman then introduced themselves, marking the start of their journey in the department. In attendance were esteemed members of the faculty, including the Head of Department, Prof. T.A. Olaiya, alongside Professors Popoola, Dr. Mrs. Igbokwe, Dr. Agboola, and Dr. Bello. The department's student executives, parliamentary representatives, and members of the Public Voice News Agency were also introduced, alongside the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), which played a notable role in the day’s activities. Words of Welcome a...

Yesterday marked the opening day of the Humanities Continental Cup, featuring four faculties—LAW, Administration, Social Sciences, and Arts. The Public Administration football team took on the Department of Linguistics and emerged victorious with a 3-0 scoreline. This was a crucial win for our team, especially given the challenges faced during the recent Great Ife Football League (GIFL). Many doubted if the boys could pull off this win, but they delivered when it mattered most. The match was closely contested throughout, with both teams having their chances. However, the Public Administration team showcased great resilience and skill, dominating the game from start to finish. Linguistics pushed hard at times but was unable to break through our defense. Despite a few close calls, the Public Administration team maintained their concentration and kept a clean sheet. Looking ahead to the remaining matches in this competition, it’s clear that this team has the potential to go far. While the...

Freshers’ Week for the Department of Public Administration was packed with fun on Wednesday, with two exciting events: a lively Games Day in the afternoon and a cozy Movie Night in the evening. Games Day: Afternoon of Laughter and Connection The fun began at 2:00 PM with Games Day, where freshmen and senior students came together to enjoy different games and spend time with each other. Organized by the department’s Executives, the event had something for everyone—ludo, Scrabble, chess, table tennis, and even video games for those who love PlayStation. The room was full of laughter and cheers as students challenged one another and formed new friendships. The excitement on everyone’s faces showed just how much they enjoyed the activities. For the freshmen, it was a great way to meet new people and feel at home in the department. “It was so much fun! I got to relax and also meet people I didn’t know before,” one fresher shared. Movie Night: Relaxing and Enjoyable After Games Day, everyone...

  The 2023/2024 Freshers' Week for the Department of Public Administration started with an electrifying event this morning—a Freshers vs. Stalites football match that set the tone for the celebrations ahead. The match kicked off at 8 AM, and the Freshers wasted no time making their mark. Despite being a newly assembled team, the Freshers came out with an impressive momentum, netting two quick goals in the opening minutes. Coker and Ozain were the heroes, giving their side a promising lead. However, both teams initially struggled with incomplete squads, and as the Stalites filled out their lineup later in the first half, their fortunes changed. THE FRESHER'S FIRST GOAL Driven by the determination not to lose to a Fresher team—a feat that had never happened before—the Stalites fought back. Their persistence paid off, as they leveled the game just before halftime. The second half was an intense battle of wills. The Freshers returned with renewed energy, eager to make history as th...

  The induction ceremony of the Public Voice News Agency began right on time at 12:40 PM, opening with a heartfelt prayer led by one of the inductees. This was followed by the recitation of the school anthem, creating an atmosphere that was both formal and uplifting. Akintunde Emmanuel Oluwasegun, the Editor-in-Chief (EIC), gave a warm and encouraging welcome speech. He congratulated the inductees on taking this bold step to join the agency and reminded them of the importance of staying committed to the values of fairness and objectivity. The Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Mould Precious, spoke next, briefly but meaningfully emphasizing the need for teamwork, dedication, and a sense of purpose in ensuring the success of the agency. The most memorable part of the event was the oath-taking. With clear determination and a sense of pride, the inductees pledged to uphold the responsibilities of being part of the Public Voice News Agency. Their excitement was evident, marking this as a signific...

The congressional meeting commenced at exactly 4:13 PM with a startling observation by the Speaker of the House. The President was found using the ceremonial gavel belonging to the Public Administration House of Parliament, in direct contravention of departmental and legislative rules. Offering a swift apology, the President promised to return the gavel immediately. Following this, Congress recommended that a formal letter of apology be issued to address the breach, and the matter was amicably resolved. Updates on Fresher’s Week Moving on to the day’s agenda, the President provided updates on the forthcoming Fresher’s Week, slated to hold from December 16 to 20, 2024. However, the highly anticipated fresher’s party has been excluded from the schedule and postponed indefinitely, leaving attendees with mixed feelings. Audit Committee Delays and Financial Queries The Financial Secretary briefed Congress on the state of the association’s finances. Congressman Ike raised concerns about poss...

Embarking on your journey at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is both an exciting and transformative experience. Renowned for its rich academic history and vibrant campus life, OAU offers countless opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities that can shape your time at the university. By participating in clubs, societies, and events, you’ll not only immerse yourself in the lively Ile-Ife community but also build a network of friends and mentors to support you during your stay and beyond. The atmosphere at OAU blends academic rigor with a lively social scene. The diverse student body creates an inclusive environment filled with various activities—from academic societies and sports to cultural clubs. OAU's dynamic community ensures your university experience is both enriching and memorable. Popular Clubs & Societies at OAU With a wide range of clubs and societies, there’s something for everyone at OAU. Some of the popular options include: Kegites Club Association of Cam...

  Operators of Point-of-Sale terminals raised their charges on Monday in line with the implementation of the Electronic Money Transfer Levy of N50 by the Federal Inland Revenue Services charged on any electronic inflow of N10,000 and above. Several fintech platforms on Sunday notified their customers that they would start the collection of N50 as an Electronic Money Transfer Levy in compliance with the Federal Government Stamp Duty Act, which would be remitted to Federal Inland Revenue Services. Moniepoint in a mail said, “Please be informed that in compliance with the Federal Government Stamp Duty Act, you would be charged an Electronic Money Transfer Levy of N50 by the Federal Inland Revenue Services on any electronic inflow of N10,000 and above” adding that “FIRS charges you N50 for inflow received in your Moniepoint personal banking account. Moniepoint does not benefit from this but receives and remits this sum to FIRS.” It clarified that the levy applies to all electronic infl...