Raji Vows to Consolidate Dembab’s Achievements at Campaign Flag-Off

The Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) came alive on Wednesday as members of the union converged on the Correspondents’ Chapel for the official flag-off of the Divine Mandate campaign team led by Comrade Raji Adebayo.

Addressing journalists at the colourful event, Raji, who is vying for the position of State Chairman, pledged to build on the achievements of the outgoing administration led by Comrade Demola Babalola while promising a leadership style rooted in transparency, fairness, and members’ welfare.

“The present administration has really done well, but my goal is to consolidate what has been achieved and take our union to greater heights,” Raji declared confidently.

He commended Babalola’s leadership for repositioning the union and assured members that his administration, if elected, would sustain the momentum and deliver a more inclusive, people-oriented council.

Reacting to concerns about possible rivalry among the three chairmanship aspirants, Raji dismissed any insinuation of animosity, stressing that his politics is driven by peace, maturity, and service.

“I have never been part of politics of bitterness or do-or-die affairs,” he said. “I once contested and lost, yet I maintained peace and humility even when people expected a different reaction. I was later honoured as the man of true democracy.”

He emphasized that leadership is ordained by God and urged members to disregard rumours suggesting that a particular candidate had been anointed by the state council. According to him, the electoral committee is made up of credible professionals who would ensure a transparent, free, and fair process.

Raji appealed to all NUJ chapels across Oyo State to support his Divine Mandate team, assuring them that every promise made during the campaign would be fulfilled.

Unveiling his plans for the union, Raji said his vision is to build a responsive, transparent, and efficient council that prioritizes the welfare, professional growth, and digital advancement of members.

He highlighted the successes his had recorded while he was a chairman of correspondence chapel before he resigned, noting that had combined both the Easter and Ramadan celebrations to promote unity among Christian and Muslim members.

“With the wisdom God has given us, we celebrated Easter and Ramadan together this year,” he said. “We distributed food items to our members Christians and Muslims alike to support them and reduce their stress during the festive periods. Both are seasons of giving and reflection, and we made sure no one was left out.”

He explained that the chapel currently has about 48 members, each of whom benefits from welfare packages during major celebrations, including the New Year.

According to him, when he was in the helms of affairs in the chapel, welfare tokens being given to members was increased by 100 percent while stipends was also raised for self-employed members by 25 percent during his administration, demonstrating a commitment to financial support and equity.

“Our administration is built on fairness and justice,” he said. “We believe that what belongs to one person should not be taken by another. Everyone deserves to be treated equally.”

While alighting his achievements when he was a chairman of correspondence Chapel, he noted that he will build his governance on this and take members a priority.

Adebayo vowed to revamp the NUJ Health Centre, which he described as neglected in recent years, promising to restore it to a functional standard with qualified personnel.

He further pledged to introduce a comprehensive welfare package to be distributed at least twice a year, ensuring that 80 percent of members benefit in the first phase and the remaining 20 percent in the next.

In addition, Raji revealed plans to launch a health insurance scheme for members within six months of assuming office, working in partnership with relevant authorities and development organizations.

“We are already in talks with international partners to sponsor training and retraining programs for journalists,” he said. “We will expand scholarships and professional development opportunities to improve the quality of journalism in Oyo State.”

He also promised to run an open-door administration, encouraging members to approach him freely with ideas and suggestions.

“We are not here for personal gain but to serve diligently,” he affirmed. “Every member, including those yet to join, will have a sense of belonging in our union.”

In his closing remarks, the Vice Chairman of the Divine Mandate Team, Comrade Adebayo Abdulrofiu, thanked members for their presence and unwavering support. He urged them to stand firmly behind the team’s vision, expressing optimism that the group would triumph at the polls.

The Oyo State NUJ election is scheduled to hold in December 2025. The Divine Mandate Team consists of:

Comrade Raji Adebayo – Chairmanship Aspirant,

Comrade Adebayo Abdulrofiu – Vice Chairman,

Comrade Olamide Adeniji – Secretary,

Comrade Moses Morenikeji – Treasurer,

Comrade Nurudeen Alimi – Auditor,

Comrade Bode Akinjola – Assistant Secretary

With the campaign now officially underway, Adebayo’s message is clear continuity, compassion, and commitment to the welfare of journalists in Oyo State.

OYONEWS