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By John Ogunsemore
Former Senate President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Babatunde Afeez Akinteye’s bid for the position of National President has gained a major boost with the support of his strong ally, Comrade Olaoluwa Araromi.
Araromi, popularly known as Don Purcheche, expressed his support for the bid of Akinteye, popularly known as Babtee, in a Sunday statement sent to SunOnline.
Araromi, who served as Director of Diaspora Matters during Akinteye’s NANS Senate Presidency, was borne out of great conviction and a deep sense of responsibility.
The statement reads in part, “The Nigerian students’ movement has always thrived on visionary leadership, courage, and commitment to the welfare and advancement of students across the country.
“At this critical moment in the history of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the need for tested, experienced, and purposeful leadership cannot be overemphasised.
“It is therefore with great conviction and a deep sense of responsibility that I, Comrade Araromi Olaoluwa (P.K.A Don Purcheche), proudly declare my support for the candidacy of Distinguished Senator Akinteye Babatunde Afeez (P.K.A Babtee) for the office of President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) under The EPOCH Movement.”
Araromi added that his support for Akinteye is not based on sentiment but on a longstanding working relationship and first-hand experience of his leadership capacity, commitment, and dedication to the Nigerian students’ cause.
He said, “During his tenure as Vice President (External Affairs) of NANS, I had the privilege of serving as his Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs, where I witnessed closely his passion for inclusive representation and his drive to expand the frontiers of student engagement beyond the shores of Nigeria.
“Furthermore, when he served as Senate President of NANS, I was honoured to serve as Director of Diaspora Matters, a role through which we continued to strengthen the connection between Nigerian students at home and those in the diaspora.
“In all these capacities, Babtee demonstrated remarkable leadership, strategic thinking, and a resolute commitment to the progress of Nigerian students.”
Araromi said Akinteye’s track record speaks volumes as he has consistently proven himself as a courageous advocate for students’ welfare, a bridge-builder among stakeholders, and a leader who understands the complexities of the Nigerian students’ movement.
“His EPOCH Agenda, which focuses on Empowerment, Progress, Opportunity, Collaboration, and Human Capacity Development, represents a bold and transformative vision capable of repositioning NANS for greater relevance and impact.
“Without doubt, Nigerian students deserve a leader who is experienced, accessible, intellectually sound, and committed to genuine service. Dist. Sen. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez (Babtee) embodies these qualities and more.
“It is on this basis that I wholeheartedly throw my weight behind his candidacy and call on all Nigerian students, student leaders, stakeholders, and well-meaning comrades across the six geopolitical zones to support The EPOCH Movement and ensure the emergence of Babtee as the next President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
“Together, let us usher in a new era of purposeful leadership, progressive representation, and transformative development for Nigerian students,” the statement further reads.
