The Presidential hopeful in the 2027 general election, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has dedicated an award of Excellence bestowed on him by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kwara Council to all the victims of institutional abuse and Nigerian youths.
Hashim, a founder and financier of Gbenga Hashim Foundation, urged journalists to remain fearless in holding institutions accountable, saying a vibrant and independent press remained the “pillar of democracy”.
He described institutional abuse, particularly in the academic as a “silent killer of democracy” that stifles innovation, silences dissent, and weakens trust in governance.
Citing his personal experience, he recalled how the University of Lagos withheld his degree certificate after disagreements tied to student activism.
“They could withhold a certificate, but not knowledge,” he said, explaining how the setback propelled him to establish Set and Sell, a political communication firm that laid the foundation for his success as a PR strategist and entrepreneur.
He also highlighted the case of Abdulrazaq Hamzat, who was expelled and denied a Master’s certificate by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) due to disputes over student association activities.
Such actions, Hashim warned, were “a dangerous stain on Nigeria’s democratic credentials.
“Institutions should address intellectual issues intellectually, not through victimization.”
Hashim however donated the sum of five million naira to support the union activities.
As part of the activities of the event the
Correspondents’ Chapel, comprising 50 elite national media outfits also marked the 45th anniversary of its existence as a unit under the NUJ with the unveiling of a banner listing all the past chairmen.
The anniversary event drew together journalists, political leaders, and civil society advocates.
