Why Oyo NUJ Needs Comrade Raji Adebayo at the Helm
By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
When I first encountered Comrade Raji Adebayo in 2021, I was still a Higher National Diploma (HND) student at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Lagos. He had just been unanimously elected Chairman of the Oyo State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). A group of my classmates — ambitious young journalists — had invited him to speak at the institute as part of a group assignment we were submitting to our then Deputy Provost, Dr. Dele Omojuyigbe, a man whose words — “journalists don’t clap” — still echo in my mind.
That session with Adebayo left an impression that time could not fade. He spoke, not with the arrogance of an old hand, but with the calm authority of a mentor who had seen the newsroom in its rawest form — the sleepless nights, the breaking stories, the editorial deadlines, and the moral burdens that come with journalism in Nigeria. His humility was remarkable; his conviction was firm. He spoke about journalism as both a craft and a calling — and it was evident he had lived every syllable of it.
Today, as he steps forward to contest for the chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of the NUJ in the December 9, 2025 election, I find it compelling to write in support of his aspiration — not out of sentiment, but out of clear judgment, born of knowing his pedigree, his principles, and his passion for the profession.
A Proven Track Record in Journalism
Comrade Raji Adebayo’s journalistic journey is a tapestry of dedication and experience that spans decades across reputable Nigerian media houses. He began his career at the defunct National Concord in Lagos — an institution that trained some of Nigeria’s finest journalists. Over the years, he honed his craft at The Herald, Encounter Newspapers, National Daily, National Mirror, The Moment, Daily Newswatch, and currently serves as the Oyo State Correspondent for Daily Independent Newspapers.
These are not mere résumé entries. Each represents a chapter in his commitment to balanced reporting, factual integrity, and professional ethics — the very principles the NUJ was founded upon.
Adebayo has also demonstrated leadership beyond the newsroom. As a former Assistant Secretary of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and Acting Secretary of the Property and Environment Writers Association of Nigeria (PEWAN) in Lagos, he showcased organizational competence and the capacity to mobilize journalists around common professional interests. His service as Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel further validated his ability to unite members, mediate challenges, and strengthen the bond between correspondents and the union leadership.
A Leader with a Vision for Relevance
The NUJ today faces an era of transformation — digital disruption, economic hardship, dwindling media ethics, and the erosion of newsroom welfare. These are not times for ceremonial leadership; they are times for intellectual and moral rejuvenation.
Raji Adebayo represents a bridge between the old and the emerging generation of journalists. He understands the newsroom of yesterday — the grind, the rigour, and the credibility it demanded. Yet, he also understands the changing dynamics of journalism today — the need for multimedia competence, technological adaptation, and welfare reform.
In every conversation, Adebayo speaks about making the NUJ in Oyo a “functional union,” not just a social gathering. His vision is rooted in empowerment — creating opportunities for training, ensuring members’ rights and benefits are defended, and restoring the dignity of the press in a time when the truth is constantly under siege.
Why Journalists Should Rally Behind Him
As journalists, we know that leadership in the NUJ is not about prestige but purpose. It is about who can protect the interest of practitioners, uphold the ethics of the profession, and foster unity among members across all chapels.
Comrade Raji Adebayo has done it before — at the Correspondents’ Chapel level — and he can do it again at the state level. His antecedents speak louder than any manifesto. He listens. He mediates. He unites. Most importantly, he understands that the strength of the NUJ lies not in titles but in trust — the trust between leadership and members, between the pen and the public.
A Call to Conscience
As Oyo journalists prepare for the December 9 election, this is not just about electing another chairman; it is about defining the soul of our union for the next three years.
Comrade Raji Adebayo’s candidacy is not a mere ambition; it is a mission — to bring integrity, transparency, and genuine service to the Oyo NUJ. Having watched him from my days as a student and followed his trajectory in practice, I am convinced that he is the right man for the job.
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Let the members of the Oyo NUJ make a choice that history will applaud. Let them vote for credibility, experience, and leadership that listens. Let them vote for Comrade Raji Adebayo.
By Ibrahim Taofeek Kegbegbe
Journalist, Nigerian Institute of Journalism alumnus
