Awo Hall Holds Freshers Day Event

Leonard Divine

The Obafemi Awolowo Hall held its Freshers Day event on the 10th of May, 2025, at the football field, opposite the hall. The event featured two programmes: the orientation session and welcome party.

In attendance were the hall warden, Dr. Afolashade Adewunmi; Dr. Osagie from JAJA Clinic; Mr. Ogunrinde, one of the hall porters; Coach Osita, a Taekwondo instructor; and Mr. Kwai, the hall’s security officer, alongside the members of the executive council.

The programme began with the orientation session. During the orientation session, Mr. Ogundare advised the freshers to follow the hall rules and avoid using items that are banned for safety reasons. He warned against the use of contraband items such as; electric cookers, gas, boiling rings, charcoal pot etc. He also mentioned that defacing of the hall properties, pouring of water over the sink, and improper disposal of waste are offences that attract fines.

Following this, Coach Osita encouraged students to learn Taekwondo, explaining that self-defense is an important skill. He referred to a robbery that took place in 2019 as a reminder of the need for personal safety skills.

The next session was a health talk delivered by Dr. Osagie, who spoke on the topic of mental health. She warned about the rising issue of substance use among young women. According to her, “Mental health deals with our psychological and social well-being and it would assist you to make right decisions.” She explained that poor mental health could be caused by stress, family background, peer pressure, and poor feeding habits. She also urged freshers to complete their JAJA Clinic registration.

After the talk, students asked questions on topics such as feeding, sanitary product disposal, and other issues affecting their welfare.

Security matters were addressed by Mr. Kwai, who advised students not to loiter at night. “Loitering in the middle of the night,” he said, “can pose a security threat.” His message was supported by the hall warden, Dr. Adewunmi, who added, “The hall closes from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. This rule is not to keep anyone in bondage, but for your safety.” She further announced that the University has created a work scheme programme for students excluding the freshers.

Adebimpe, the Assistant General Secretary, encouraged students to focus on their academics. “100 level is the foundation to boost your grade,” she said. She also announced that tutorials will be organised for the freshers.

The orientation session ended and the welcome party started, which featured face painting, karaoke, gyration, giveaways and other activities. In her closing speech, Goodluck Akinlawon admonished the freshers to “understand themselves and be involved in the hall activities.”