All roads led to the premises of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ikoyi, on Thursday as colleagues, friends and union leaders gathered to give a rousing welcome to the Deputy National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr. Abimbola Abosede Oyetunde, on her return to Lagos.
The reception was organised to celebrate her redeployment from Bronze FM, Benin City, following her elevation to the position of Deputy Director of News and Bureau Chief, Network. The colourful event, put together by the FRCN NUJ Chapel, was the first of its kind in honour of a woman widely admired for her professionalism and unwavering advocacy for women in the media.
Setting the tone for the occasion, Chairman of the NUJ, FRCN Chapel, Comrade Wahaab Akinlade, extolled Dr. Oyetunde’s exceptional career and leadership qualities.
“Distinguished guests, respected colleagues, members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the Executive Council and entire members of the FRCN NUJ Chapel, to warmly welcome you all to this special reception organised in honour of our own, Dr. Abimbola Abosede Oyetunde, Deputy National President of the NUJ, and recently appointed Bureau Chief, FRCN Network, and Deputy Director of News.
“Today is a moment of pride for us as a Chapel, for FRCN, and indeed for the journalism profession in Nigeria. Dr. Oyetunde’s return to Lagos in this new capacity is not just a personal milestone, but a collective achievement that reflects years of dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to ethical journalism and unionism.
“As the first female Deputy National President of the NUJ, she has continued to break barriers, inspire excellence and champion the rights and welfare of journalists, particularly women in the media. Her remarkable journey, from her impactful leadership at Bronze FM, Benin City, to her strategic role at the FRCN Network, is a testament to what perseverance, competence and integrity can achieve,” Akinlade affirmed.
In his goodwill message, Chairman of the NUJ Lagos State Council, Comrade Adeleye Ajayi, described the homecoming as well deserved, noting that Dr. Oyetunde’s leadership trajectory speaks volumes.
“Dr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Oyetunde is our leader; a woman who is well loved and cherished. She served as Secretary of the NUJ Lagos State Council, became Special Adviser to the NUJ National President, Dr. Chris Isiguzo, MFR, rose to become Zone F National Trustee, and now Deputy National President of the NUJ.
"These milestones show that she is a woman of substance who has contributed meaningfully wherever she has served.
“At the NUJ Lagos State Council, we are proud to have her as our leader, and we will continue to tap from her wealth of experience,” Ajayi said.
Also speaking, Director of the National Broadcast Academy (NBA), Dr. Sam Anyawu, commended the FRCN NUJ Chapel for organising the celebration, describing Dr. Oyetunde as a trailblazer.
“Dr. Oyetunde is a woman of many firsts; the first General Manager of Bronze FM, the first Bureau Chief of FRCN, and the first female Deputy National President of the NUJ. She is a go-getter. It is on record how she resuscitated Bronze FM, repositioning it into a revenue-generating station with a remarkable increase in internally generated revenue,” he said.
The Director of Marketing, FRCN, Baba Istifanus, noted that her redeployment to Lagos was already yielding positive results.
“I was happy when I heard she was redeployed back to Lagos. During her stay in Benin, she was proactive and always supportive. Since her return, we are beginning to see improvements, and I have no doubt that her presence will further enrich the Network,” he stated.
In her remarks, Director, Lagos Operations, Princess Nike Adegoke, described Dr. Oyetunde as “a beautiful soul, an icon and a trailblazer.”
“She is a professional to the core. We love you and pray that God grants you more wisdom to continue to excel,” she said.
One of the highlights of the event was the reading of Dr. Oyetunde’s citation by Mrs. Chinedu Okolo, which drew applause from the audience.
Korede Ogunbunmi, Head of Department, Journalism, National Broadcast Academy, described Dr. Oyetunde as a leader who “came, saw and conquered.”
“She is an achiever who always wants people around her to succeed,” he said, while also commending her husband for being a strong support system.
Mr. Ogunbunmi later delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all guests who came to celebrate with Dr. Oyetunde.
Members of the NUJ delegation present included Philip Nwosu, NUJ Vice Chairman, Lagos State Council Tunde Olalere, NUJ Secretary; Olayide Awosanya, Assistant Secretary; Dr. Adeola Ekine, immediate past Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos State Chapter; and Jumoke Johnson, Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos State Chapter, among others.
The Wahaab Akinlade–led executive was widely commended for planning and executing a glamorous and memorable event worthy of a distinguished media professional and union leader.
