AGY Press Reacts To Unfounded Allegations

 Setting The Records Straight

A member of the Press reacts.

Being a member of the Press has always been an interesting and demanding task, especially when you are a student striving to balance it with school. It is even more daunting when you are new to the system in place, and you are trying to find a way of putting things into the right perspective- while still being honest with your duty as a pressman. So, I would acknowledge that we might not have done our best.

There are some things I also know we could have done as Pressmen in the department which we did not do. However, what is not right is saying that this Press organisation should be awarded the most inactive press ever. This is not in defence or to save ourselves from blames but to bring the truth to the limelight as is our duty.

How true is this?

In the earliest part of this session, the AGY Press had a recruitment process through a few tests and interviews. These recruits were thoroughly checked to ensure their capabilities and delivery. In fact, as I was recruited, I was amazed that a Department's Press could function like a media house. Don't blame me, I was new. 

Secondly, the Agronomy Press created a new website for her publications in addition to the traditional way of pasting articles and other publications on the Press board. Some of the Publications include articles on Agriculture, Features, Opinion, Poetry, AGY Chef, Sports as well as Editorials. Most of the time, the links to the publications are sent to the Department's general WhatsApp platform and other levels' groups. It is, however, saddening that students didn't pay attention to this. You can always check the website for verification. 

Also, before Agronomy Week when the Press held Professor Akoroda's Essay Competition, messages and broadcasts were continuously sent to ensure that a lot of people would participate in the competition. Only 9 entries were submitted from the whole of Agronomy, some coming very late just before the closure. I remember that the deadline for submission was even extended. Very few people attended the programme despite the publicity. All the same, it was a successful event. We thank God.

Moreover, everyone should know that the Pressmen were just doing their duty at the Agronomy Press Night. If at all Agronomy Press took on the statement of someone that an executive member did not discharge his or her duty, we are not off track. It might have seemed that the Press kept quiet on some things. But we have to know that if anyone should make any comment, the Press as the watchdog would do its duty of making an investigation.

It has always been that the Press and members of the public, Agronomy Club members in this case, have always worked together. If you feel there has been an oversight in the process of the Press doing its job, call us to order with constructive criticism, not unfounded allegations. 

Finally, there is a thing you probably haven't realized. On our blog, there is a comment section where you can drop your comment, check up on us, and ask questions on your mind. It will also go a long way for analytics.

No one is out to witch-hunt anyone. I have no personal rancour or rapport with many of the executive members. We are just trying to discharge our duty. In fact, I see no reason why we should react to these allegations. But to keep the facts clear, we have taken it upon ourselves to make justifications only with the truth. We never meant to be rude or unjustly criticize anybody.

Let us work together to take Agronomy Club to greater heights. Long live Agronomy Club. Long live AGY Press.

Ummulkhayr

200L.