The 45th anniversary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel in Kwara State took a reflective turn on Wednesday as presidential aspirant, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, dedicated his Award of Excellence to Nigerian youths and victims of institutional abuse.
Represented by Abdulrazaq Hamzat, Hashim said the honour was not about personal glory but a platform to speak for those silenced by systemic injustice. “This award is for the Nigerian youth and all who have suffered from the abuse of institutions meant to serve them,” he declared to loud applause from journalists, political leaders, and civil society representatives present.
Backing his words with action, Hashim made a financial donation to the Correspondents’ Chapel, stressing that “a vibrant, independent press is the true pillar of democracy” and urging journalists to remain bold in holding institutions accountable.
He described institutional abuse—especially in Nigeria’s academic sector—as a “silent killer of democracy” that discourages innovation, silences dissent, and erodes public trust. Drawing from personal experience, he recalled how the University of Lagos withheld his degree certificate over disagreements linked to student activism. “They could withhold a certificate, but not knowledge,” he said, noting that the setback pushed him to establish a political communication firm that became the foundation of his success as an entrepreneur and strategist.
Hashim also cited the case of Abdulrazaq Hamzat, who was expelled and denied a Master’s certificate by the National Open University of Nigeria over student association disputes. He warned that such practices remain “a dangerous stain on Nigeria’s democratic credentials,” adding that “institutions should address intellectual issues intellectually, not through victimization.”
The NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, which brings together 50 leading national media organisations, said Hashim was honoured for both his vision for Nigeria and the humanitarian work of the Gbenga Hashim Foundation, which has touched lives across the country.
The event became a rallying call for stronger, more accountable institutions, with many participants agreeing that Hashim’s message was a timely reminder of the need for reforms that protect citizens rather than suppress them.
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