Oladapo Unveils Ambitious Reform Agenda as Oyo NUJ Chairmanship Race Intensifies

With the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council election drawing closer, leading chairmanship contender, Comrade Olusola Oladapo, popularly known as Summer  has officially launched his campaign, unveiling an expansive agenda centered on welfare, professional development, transparency, and unity within the Union.

The campaign flag-off, held on Thursday at the NUJ Press Centre in Iyaganku, Ibadan, attracted journalists, senior media practitioners, and prominent stakeholders eager to hear Oladapo outline his vision for the Council.

Oladapo, who currently serves as Secretary of the Council, said his aspiration “is driven by the commitment to reposition NUJ Oyo as a model of welfare, professionalism and ethical journalism.” He stressed that journalists in the state deserve stronger protection, expanded opportunities, and leadership that genuinely prioritises their well-being.

Director-General of the campaign, Mr. Dare Adekanmbi, described the event as “the beginning of a new dawn for journalists in Oyo State,” adding that Oladapo’s emergence would signal a shift towards a more responsive, accountable and member-driven Union. “Under Oladapo, NUJ Oyo will not only work for journalists; it will stand with them in every moment that matters,” he said.

Unveiling his manifesto, Oladapo highlighted welfare as the foundation of his agenda. He announced plans to set up a Welfare and Emergency Support Fund for members facing health emergencies, bereavement, or unexpected hardship. He also pledged to secure group health insurance, distribute annual safety kits for field reporters, and establish a legal aid and safety desk to defend journalists against harassment or unlawful arrests.

On capacity-building, Oladapo proposed a robust training framework, featuring quarterly workshops on digital reporting, data journalism, investigative techniques, and multimedia storytelling. He also promised to establish an NUJ Training and Resource Centre at the Press Centre, equipped with internet access, research tools and digital production facilities to support journalists at all levels.

Economic empowerment formed another major pillar of his plan. Oladapo said he would pursue partnerships to facilitate grants, soft loans and business development opportunities for journalists interested in launching media ventures such as online platforms, podcasts or production outfits. He further promised to establish a Media Investment Cooperative to improve financial stability among members.

Reiterating his commitment to accountability, Oladapo vowed to introduce quarterly financial reports, adopt an open-door administrative policy and ensure that all members have access to information on Union spending and projects. His target, he said, is to make NUJ Oyo “the most transparent Council in Nigeria.”

He also pledged to strengthen unity among the various chapels, ensure gender inclusion, integrate freelancers more effectively into Union activities and create an alumni forum to engage retired journalists in mentorship and welfare programmes.

Oladapo outlined plans to transform the Press Centre into a modern media hub with a digital studio, ICT-enabled meeting rooms, and co-working spaces capable of generating revenue for the Union. A digital membership database and mobile app would also be introduced to streamline operations.

Responding to criticisms regarding his long years in NUJ leadership, Oladapo said experience should not be mistaken for overfamiliarity. “Service is not a crime. Those who are active in unionism are the ones called upon to lead,” he stated, noting his previous roles as Chapel Secretary (two terms), State Ex-Officio (two terms), Vice Chairman, and now Secretary.

He urged journalists to rally behind his vision and join in building a Union defined by welfare, innovation, unity and unwavering commitment to ethical practice.

Among the dignitaries present at the event were the Chairman/CEO of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Mrs. Dotun Olaitan; Zonal Director of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Moses Oyelade; and former NUJ Oyo Council chairmen, Chief Gbemiga Ayoade and Mr. Adewumi Faniran, among others.