By Debo Adeoye
The Campaign Director General of the Divine Mandate Team in the forthcoming Oyo State Council election of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Kunle Bakare, has described the team’s Chairmanship candidate, Comrade Raji Adebayo, as a tested, trusted, and dependable leader who possesses the integrity and experience needed to lead the union to greater heights.
Bakare made the remark while introducing Raji Adebayo to journalists during the official flag-off of the team’s campaign, held at the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Oyo NUJ in Mokola, Ibadan, ahead of the December 2025 polls.
Explaining the team’s choice of the Correspondents’ Chapel as its first campaign stop, Bakare said the move was deliberate, symbolizing the candidate’s roots and record of service to his immediate constituency.
“Our choice of Correspondents’ Chapel for the campaign takeoff is to reaffirm the saying that charity begins at home,” Bakare said.
“Comrade Raji Adebayo is the immediate past Chairman of this great chapel, and he served meritoriously and without blemish. His tenure was marked by unity, remarkable achievements, and a leadership style rooted in fairness, equity, and the fear of God.”
Bakare praised Adebayo’s past leadership at the Correspondents’ Chapel, noting that his tenure brought visible progress, strengthened professional solidarity, and prioritized the welfare of members.
“During his time as Chairman, Raji placed journalists’ welfare at the forefront and consistently defended the rights of all members without discrimination. He is a bridge-builder, a listener, and a leader whose door is always open to everyone,” he stated.
He emphasized that Adebayo’s character, experience, and commitment make him the most qualified to lead the Oyo NUJ Council into a new era of transparency, development, and professional advancement.
The campaign DG further urged journalists to stand up against misinformation or unfounded allegations targeted at the Divine Mandate candidate, urging members to verify any claims and correct false impressions when necessary.
“Whenever you hear anyone making false or improper allegations against Raji Adebayo, please stand for the truth and set the record straight,” Bakare appealed.
“Raji’s record speaks for itself — he is transparent, approachable, and a man who believes in justice and fairness. Let us be proud to identify with him and project his good name across all chapels.”
Concluding his remarks, Bakare appealed to journalists across Oyo State to rally behind Raji Adebayo and the entire Divine Mandate Team, stressing that their collective experience, discipline, and vision would bring transformation and renewed dignity to the NUJ.
“Sending Raji Adebayo and the Divine Mandate Team to the State Council will not only bring pride to this chapel but also enhance the growth and progress of our union and individual members,” Bakare said.
“Let us use our votes wisely to support proven capacity, humility, and competence. Together, we can move our union forward.”
The Divine Mandate Team had earlier kicked off its campaign at the Correspondents’ Chapel, where Adebayo unveiled his agenda focused on transparency, accountability, welfare, digital transformation, and continuous professional development for journalists across the state.
