Presidential Hopeful, Gbenga Hashim Donates N5million To Kwara NUJ Chapel

A Presidential Hopeful in Nigeria, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim on Wednesday donated five million naira (N5million) to Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel in Kwara State.

Gbenga Hashim announced the donation while receiving Award of Excellence during the 45th anniversary of NUJ Kwara Correspondents’ Chapel in Ilorin.

It became a moment of national reflection as presidential hopeful, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, dedicated his Award of Excellence to “the Nigerian youth and all victims of institutional abuse.”

Delivering the message on his behalf, Abdulrazaq Hamzat told an audience of journalists, civil society leaders, and political figures that the award was not about personal achievement but about giving voice to those silenced by systemic injustice. The declaration drew sustained applause.

He reiterated his belief that a vibrant and independent press remains the “pillar of democracy”. He therefore urged journalists to remain fearless in holding institutions accountable.

Hashim described institutional abuse, particularly in the academic sector 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, are “a dangerous stain on Nigeria’s democratic credentials.”

“Institutions should address intellectual issues intellectually, not through victimization,” he added.

Analysts at the event noted that Hashim’s gesture and remarks align with his long standing advocacy for human rights, systemic reform, and accountability, principles that continue to define his political journey.

The NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, comprising 50 elite national media outfits as the vanguard of press freedom, said Hashim was honoured not only for his national vision but also for the humanitarian work of the Gbenga Hashim Foundation, which has impacted lives across Nigeria.