Olusola Oladapo Sets Bold Plan in Motion as Oyo NUJ Election Gather Steam -

Ahead of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council election coming up in December, one of the top contenders for the chairmanship position, Comrade Olusola Oladapo “Summer”, has officially presented his plans for the Union. He promised a leadership that will focus on members’ welfare, training, transparency, and unity.

The flag-off of his campaign, held on Thursday at the Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, brought together members, stakeholders, and senior media professionals in the state. They all gathered to hear Oladapo share his vision for the Council.

Oladapo, who is currently the Council Secretary, said he is motivated by the desire to reposition the Union as a place where welfare, professionalism, and ethical journalism are taken seriously.

The Director-General of his campaign, Dare Adekanmbi, described the event as “a new dawn for journalists in Oyo State.” He said that if Oladapo becomes chairman, members will enjoy a Union that truly protects their welfare, creates more growth opportunities, and restores dignity to journalism.

Adekanmbi explained that the agenda is built on transparency, inclusion, and service. He assured journalists that “under Oladapo, NUJ Oyo will not only work for journalists but will stand by them in every important moment.”

Talking about his manifesto, Oladapo promised to prioritise dignity, protection, and economic empowerment for all members. He said he would create a Welfare and Emergency Fund to support colleagues facing health issues, loss, or sudden hardship.

He added that journalists in the state deserve better support systems. He plans to secure group health insurance, provide safety kits every year for field reporters, and set up a legal aid and safety desk to protect members from harassment or unlawful arrest while on duty.

He also announced plans to introduce regular training programmes to improve the professional skills of journalists in the state. He said quarterly workshops on digital reporting, data journalism, and investigative skills would become a routine under his leadership.

Oladapo said he would also create an NUJ Training and Resource Centre at the Press Centre. The centre would have internet access, research tools, and digital facilities to support reporters, editors, and young media professionals across the state.

The chairmanship hopeful also said economic empowerment is a major part of his agenda. He promised to support media entrepreneurship by helping journalists get grants and providing business training for those who want to start online platforms, podcasts, or production outfits.

He noted that he would partner with financial institutions and cooperatives to provide soft loans, support small businesses, and create a Media Investment Cooperative that will give members better financial strength and stability.

On transparency, Oladapo said he would publish financial reports every quarter and run an open-door policy where members can easily access information on spending, projects, and Union operations. He said NUJ Oyo must “become the most transparent Council in Nigeria.”

He also promised to promote unity among all chapels in the state, ensure gender balance, include freelancers more, and improve engagement with retired journalists through an alumni forum focused on welfare and mentorship.

Oladapo revealed plans to upgrade the Press Centre into a modern media hub with a digital studio, ICT-equipped conference rooms, and a co-working space that can generate income for the Union. He also promised a digital membership database and a mobile app for better efficiency.

He said he would strengthen partnerships with government agencies, corporate organisations, NGOs, and international media bodies to create more opportunities, training, and protection for journalists in the state.

Addressing rumours that he has spent too many years in NUJ leadership, Oladapo said that serving the Union is not a crime. He noted that those active in Union activities are usually the ones called to lead. “Leadership requires experience, not popularity,” he said, listing his service as Chapel Secretary (two terms), State Ex-Officio (two terms), Vice Chairman, and now Council Secretary.

He ended by appealing to members to support his campaign and help build a future where NUJ Oyo becomes known for welfare, innovation, and strong ethical journalism.

Among the dignitaries at the event were the Chairman and Chief Executive of BCOS, Mrs. Dotun Olaitan; the Zonal Director of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Moses Oyelade; and former NUJ Oyo Chairmen, Chief Gbemiga Ayoade and Mr. Adewumi Faniran, among others.