…staff, chapel members hail agenda as “the only serious programme we’ve heard so far”
The 2025 Oyo NUJ election campaign took a dramatic leap on Monday as the Divine Mandate Team, led by chairmanship hopeful Comrade Raji Adebayo, received what observers described as a great homecoming during its visit to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Ibadan.
What began as a routine campaign tour quickly evolved into a charged atmosphere of applause, emotional affirmations and rare declaration of trust from senior journalists and staff of the nation’s oldest television station.
The delegation, received by senior management staff and officials of the NTA chapel, walked into a newsroom filled with journalists who had gathered ahead of schedule, a gesture insiders interpreted as a sign of growing interest in Raji’s campaign.
The atmosphere became even more animated when the Divine Mandate leader, Com. Adebayo Raji began highlighting his track record as former Correspondents’ Chapel Chairman and as a key figure of support in the current council administration.
The Deputy Director News, Mrs. Funke Ibidamitan, who maintained her neutrality throughout the campaign season, offered what many present described as the day’s most striking appraisal.
According to her, the Divine Mandate Team’s manifesto stands out for its clarity, depth and connection to the real issues faced by journalists.
“Your programmes are brief, meaningful and achievable,” she said.
“If implemented as outlined, they will reposition journalists for better opportunities and improved professional relevance.”
Fielding questions on welfare and palliatives, Raji delivered a passionate charge that visibly stirred the hall, “we must stop reducing ourselves. Journalists are not poor people, we are not beggars,” he said.
He argued that the focus of the next administration should be empowerment, not short term reliefs, stressing that professional development, both local and international, would widen income opportunities for members. “A journalist earning in dollars won’t be waiting for discounted rice,” he added.
Raji also pledged to reintegrate outstation journalists fully into council programmes, insisting that chapel members outside Ibadan would no longer feel disconnected from mainstream council activities.
The visit gained an added layer of significance with the presence of Comrade Dupe Fehintola, one of the union’s respected voices and a prominent supporter of the Divine Mandate Team. Her appearance drew warm reactions describing her involvement as a stamp of authenticity.
“Seeing you here reassures us,” one senior journalist noted.
“You don’t follow empty groups. Your presence speaks volumes about this team.”
Several other chapel members openly voiced their preference for the Divine Mandate Team candidates, noting that the team had shown sincerity, readiness and a clear understanding of the challenges facing journalists.
“Your programmes are real. You are not pretenders,” one member said.
“By God’s grace, this team will take over leadership of the Oyo NUJ.”
