In recognition of his contributions as a Zikite and also in order to tap from his experience as a campus journalist, Zikpress reached out to its immediate past Editor-in-chief, Adegbite Adewale for a special valedictory interview. In this exclusive chat, we get a peek into his stay as a Uite and also his take on some life issues.
ZHPO: Can we meet you?
Triple: My name is Adegbite Adewale Azeez, the erstwhile Editor-in-ChiefChief of Zikpress.Zikpress.
ZHPO: What inspired you to join Zikpress?
Triple: What inspired me,me, like any other person,person, is a desire to contribute my quota to the system. Sometimes, you have to be a politician. Instead of being a politician, you can contribute by being in the press. News writing and reporting became the best way to contribute to my quota.
ZHPO: What would you say is the biggest lesson you have learned from Zikpress?
Triple: The biggest lesson I learned from Zikpress is to be diligent every time. As a Zikpress member, you are expected to always deliver whenever you are given a task, as if you don't, it will affect production.
The onus is on you to always deliver every time you are given a target to meet.
ZHPO: As the former E-in-C, who are the people that you look up to for inspiration, maybe in journalism or on a broader scale?
Triple: In journalism, being me, I'm more inclined to sports, so I'm always looking at people like Fabrizio [Romano]. But in Nigeria, I look at people like Godwin Enahena; he's one of the foremost Nigerian sports journalists. Also, people like Michel Obi.
In terms of broad-scale journalism, I look at people like Fisayo Soyombo; he's an investigative journalist whose writing entices me. I also admire David Hundeyin. Although he's a controversial writer, his writing also spurs me to pay attention to my writing.
ZHPO: What are your favorite books?
Triple: My favorite books are always about history, talking about old things and how life was in the past. But the book I like the most is 48 Laws of Power." The book shows how the world is all about power and how the great people of the world get and control it. It is one of the books that shapes my mind and how I look at the world.
ZHPO: What is your philosophical ideology?
Triple: Do unto others what you wish they did to you. What you can't condone, don't pass it to others. Try to do what you feel is expected of you. That is my own philosophy.
ZHPO: What can you say about the atmosphere surrounding press members and student politicians or authority figures in UI generally?
Triple: Well, it is an interesting one, being that we are all in a small, confined place within the school system. The atmosphere, I can say, is no different from what is obtainable in the outside world because there is a form of mild toxic relationship where all sides don't trust each other as they believe, most especially the politicians, that the press members are there to get them rather than report events happening.
ZHPO: What is your proudest moment at Zikpress?
Triple: My proudest moment in Zikpress was when I won the Mascot Award for the Best Inductee.
ZHPO: What was your lowest moment in ZHPO?
Triple: It was the period of internal crisis we had within the organization. It was a moment that showed a lack of trust.
ZHPO: What can you say about the current political dynamics and the role of youth in Nigeria?
Triple: Truly, the current political dynamic in the country is a very sad one; it is a case of hopelessness as things continue to spiral downward without any sign of abating anytime soon. As for the role of the youth, it is quite disheartening because there has been no concrete incentive for the youth to participate in the political dynamics of the country because historically, the voices of youth have been mostly drowned out through violence or simply ignoring their views on issues affecting the country.
ZHPO: Madrid or Barcelona?
Triple: Back in the day, I'll say Barcelona. At some point in my childhood, I liked Madrid (during their Galactico era), but when the likes of Ronaldinho and Messi came in, I liked Barcelona. But truthfully, I don't really like either because I'm a Liverpool fan.
Liverpool is a club that really speaks to me.
ZHPO: What are your hobbies?
Triple: Watching sports generally
ZHPO: Romantic interest?
Triple: Single
ZHPO: Now that you're leaving, how enthusiastic are you?
Triple: I'm not really enthusiastic because now I'm going to face the real world. There are no excuses for being in school anymore. You have to work for yourself and do things.
ZHPO: Parting words?
Triple: Join something you have passion for. I joined Zikpress because I had passion. Some people join organizations for accommodations, but there are other organizations you can join and still secure accommodations. If you are coming in to join Zikpress, join to contribute. Don't be redundant. Come with a purpose to perform, and you will get a reward for it.
ZHPO: Thank you very much for your time.
Triple: You're welcome.
