GREAT IFE STUDENTS' UNION KICKS OFF JULY 10 COMMEMORATION WITH ANTI- CULTISM WALK

GREAT IFE STUDENTS' UNION KICKS OFF JULY 10 COMMEMORATION WITH ANTI- CULTISM WALK

By Rotimi Mary and Oluwanifemi Oladejo

The Students' Union of Obafemi Awolowo University, on Wednesday, July 8th, 2026, commenced activities for the annual July 10 Commemoration with the opening of a condolence register and a campus-wide anti-cultism sensitisation walk, reaffirming the university's commitment to combating cultism and preserving the memory of the five students killed during the July 10, 1999 cult attack.

The day's activities began with the opening of a condolence register at Aluta Square, where members of the university community paid tribute to the five slain student activists by signing messages in their honour.

Later in the evening, students, union executives and members of the Students' Representative Council participated in the anti-cultism walk, which began at about 6:16 p.m. from Aluta Square. Although scheduled to commence at 4:00 p.m., the procession started later due to rainfall and an earlier meeting that was subsequently cancelled.

Leading the procession was Secretary General of the Student Union, Habeeb Oke Isah. Students marched across the campus carrying a banner and flyers bearing anti-cultism messages, including "Say No to Cultism."

The procession moved through major parts of the campus, including the Students' Union Building, the SUB Bus Stop, Akintola Hall, Fajuyi Hall, Moremi Hall and other halls of residence. 

At the bus stop, union leaders distributed awareness flyers to students waiting for campus shuttles, while the Assistant Secretary General of the union, Comrade Ola and the president of the faculty of Administration, Comrade Akilapa led anti-cultism chants throughout the exercise.

Students at the Anti-cultism walk.

The awareness campaign also extended to hostels and cafés, including Faf Café, where students were sensitised on the dangers of cultism and encouraged to participate in the remaining activities of the commemoration.

Addressing students during the rally, the Students' Union Secretary-General, said the peace enjoyed on campus today was built on the sacrifices of those who lost their lives during the July 10, 1999 attack.

"The reason we are free to walk this campus safely at any time of the night is because of the heavy price paid on July 10, 1999," Isa said. "The best way to honour their memory is to stay away from cultism and defend the values they stood for."

He urged students to actively participate in the remaining activities of the commemoration and continue promoting a cult-free campus.

Activities will continue on Thursday with a documentary screening and film screening showcase, while Friday's programme will feature a symposium, the unveiling of a memorial wall, a candlelight procession and a bonfire.

The annual July 10 Commemoration honours the memories of George Iwilade (Afrikka) and 4 others, who were killed when suspected cultists attacked Awo Hall on July 10, 1999. 

Since then, the event has remained a symbol of OAU's enduring stand against cultism and campus violence.

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