Afro Press Club | AfroNews Feature

Story compiled by:
Oluwaseun Adigun

Every success story begins with a spark—and for Gbebikan Haminat Arike, that spark was ignited within the walls of African Church Grammar School (Afrograms), Abeokuta. An alumna of the prestigious institution and a former member of the school’s press club, Afro Press Club (AfroNews), Gbebikan discovered her passion for journalism early and has since transformed that passion into a promising professional journey.

Gbebikan joined the Afro Press Club in SS1, about three years before graduating, where she was introduced to the fundamentals of news writing, reporting, and ethical journalism. From the onset, she demonstrated uncommon curiosity, discipline, and commitment—qualities that distinguished her among her peers. Her training under the Afro Press Club, an initiative supported by the Afrograms Old Students’ Association, laid a solid foundation for her growth in the communication industry.

True to the meaning of her name, Gbebikan approached every task with seriousness and purpose. AfroNews gathered that upon leaving Afrograms, she carried with her the values, skills, and discipline instilled during her formative years in the press club. Every word she writes and every idea she expresses reflects thoughtfulness, strength, and conviction—hallmarks of her evolving success story.

As a member of the Afro Press Club, Gbebikan reached a significant milestone when she won an award in Basic Journalism—an achievement that can be traced directly to her early exposure and hands-on training within the AfroNews Press Club. This recognition marked a turning point, affirming her potential and strengthening her resolve to pursue journalism professionally.

Between 2023 and 2025, Gbebikan’s passion for learning deepened. She became an exceptionally curious and driven student, embarking on educational tours to over ten (10) government-owned and private radio stations across South-West Nigeria before graduating. She was more than a student—she was a restless dreamer, armed with a pen that danced to the rhythm of her thoughts and a curiosity that knew no bounds.

In July–August 2025, Gbebikan enrolled in and successfully completed a Basic Journalism course at Radio Nigeria, National Broadcast Academy, where she earned her certification. Her training further refined her skills in broadcasting and communication, preparing her for the realities of the media profession.

Listening to one of her presentations, her voice—calm yet commanding—carried a rare conviction that compelled listeners to pause and reflect. With vision as her compass and words as her art, she gave life to ideas that others only dared to whisper. As a teacher and observer of her growth, every phrase she delivered and every line she wrote revealed a spirit determined to illuminate the world through knowledge, courage, and grace.

All these experiences have shaped Gbebikan’s passion for storytelling into a clear and promising career path. Her journey affirms that the road to greatness often begins within school walls—and for her, Afrograms was where that spark truly began.

Gbebikan Haminat Arike, an accomplished alumna of Afrograms, Abeokuta, graduated in May 2025 and immediately began pursuing her career in journalism with renewed focus and determination.

Her award is therefore more than a personal triumph—it is a collective celebration of Afrograms’ educational vision and the enduring impact of its alumni network. Through the AfroNews platform, the school and its Old Students’ Association continue to promote a culture of excellence, mentorship, and experiential learning that transcends generations.

Gbebikan’s journey reflects the power of early exposure, mentorship, and determination. Her story stands as a beacon of encouragement to young students who dream of using words to inform, inspire, and change the world.

Today, the Afro Press Club proudly celebrates the emergence of a star destined for excellence in journalism. The club serves as both a cradle and a home for its members—a vibrant hub where curiosity meets creativity. As a student organization, it has grown into a cornerstone of leadership and intellectual engagement within Afrograms, building confidence, public speaking skills, teamwork, and professionalism.

At the heart of the Afro Press Club lies AfroNews, the official journal of the Old Students’ Association. More than a publication, AfroNews is a living record of students’ and alumni achievements, reflections, and discoveries. It provides members with practical exposure to reporting, interviewing, editing, and publishing while instilling the core ethics of journalism—objectivity, accuracy, and integrity.

Gbebikan’s transition from a curious student to an award-winning emerging journalist underscores the importance of nurturing young talents early. Her success is not only personal; it is a reflection of Afrograms’ commitment to holistic education and the visionary support of its Old Students’ Association in shaping the next generation of communicators and thought leaders.