My (our)-led administration secured the purchase of two Toyota Sienna vehicles as permanent assets of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), under what has been tagged the “CNG Bus Converted Project.”
I will begin with a simple truth: nothing of enduring value comes easily. Every worthwhile legacy demands sacrifice, resilience, and the courage to withstand misunderstanding. This project was no exception. It came at a personal cost, and I accepted that responsibility because leadership is not measured by comfort but by the burdens one is willing to bear for the collective good.
Over the past few weeks, some few individuals, pseudos accounts have subjected my name to public attacks across various media platforms. Perhaps due to lack of information. I deliberately chose silence, not out of fear, nor because silence signifies weakness, but because I have long believed that results are the most eloquent response to insults. No leader wages a meaningful battle without scars, and no one writes history without first enduring criticism.
I have learned in life that, “Anything that remains visible long enough eventually becomes ordinary enough to criticize.” Leadership has taught me that long-term greatness is rarely applauded in real time. It is often questioned, resisted, and misunderstood before it is appreciated. Great leaders are no longer judged against the average; they are judged against the standards they have consistently set for themselves.
My journey in student leadership did not begin today. By the grace of God and through the support of countless well-meaning individuals He placed along my path, I have built a reputation anchored on integrity and accountability. As President of the Students’ Union Government of Auchi Polytechnic, our administration acquired a union vehicle, among numerous other landmark projects. That legacy remains a matter of public record.
It is therefore important to state, clearly and unequivocally, that the funds used to acquire these vehicles were the legitimate proceeds from the auction of the NAPS CNG bus, generously donated to our Association in 2024 by the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria
While we remain profoundly grateful for that gesture, the reality was that maintaining the bus had become financially unsustainable. Before receiving it, the Association had no viable internal revenue structure capable of supporting its operational and maintenance costs.
Prior to the auction, the bus was leased to a private company for six months in 2025. Upon the expiration of the lease, stakeholders carefully assessed the available options and unanimously resolved that auctioning the bus represented the most responsible course of action. Every administrative procedure was duly observed. Every relevant stakeholder was consulted.
It was only at the point of acquiring the replacement vehicles that differing opinions emerged, giving rise to unfortunate public accusations. Thankfully, those internal disagreements have since been resolved in the spirit of unity.
I therefore state, without reservation, that the allegations circulated against my person and this administration were entirely unfounded. I have chosen forgiveness over bitterness. However, moving forward, anyone who seeks to tarnish my reputation or that of this administration must be prepared to substantiate such claims before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Today, these two vehicles stand as enduring assets of the National Association of Polytechnic Students. They are not personal possessions; they belong to NAPS and shall be inherited by successive administrations. Furthermore, the remaining proceeds from the auction have been prudently deployed toward the welfare of members of our great Association.
At this point, words seem insufficient to express my gratitude to the many stakeholders who resisted pressure to plunge this Association into needless crisis; those who insisted that the Office of the President, and every constitutional office within NAPS, must be protected from ridicule and institutional sabotage. Your courage, wisdom, and commitment to the stability of our Association will never be forgotten.
To every member who genuinely supported this administration, I remain profoundly grateful. To those who demanded accountability, I equally extend my appreciation, for accountability is not an inconvenience of leadership; it is its very foundation.
History has taught us that every generation conceals names that appear ordinary until time reveals their significance. Whether history judges us kindly or critically, let it never be said that we lacked the courage to serve or the conviction to act.
May history remember us for choosing service over self-interest, legacy over convenience, and responsibility over applause.
As individuals, never to build your entire sense of worth on the applause of men. The same crowd that cheers you today can turn against you tomorrow. Human approval is far too fragile to be the foundation of your value.
May the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) continue to experience greater growth, unity, and excellence.
It is a win-win for us all.
Congratulations, NAPS!
Aluta Continua! Victoria Ascerta!!
~ Comr. Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, GCNPS (ShopRite)
President, National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS)
