All roads led to the premises of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ikoyi, on Thursday as colleagues, friends, professional associates and union leaders gathered in a colourful celebration to accord 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 strategic positions of Deputy Director of News and Bureau Chief, FRCN Network—a milestone that further underscores her remarkable journey in broadcast journalism and union leadership.
The well-attended reception, organised by the FRCN NUJ Chapel, was the first of its kind in honour of Dr. Oyetunde, a woman widely respected for her professionalism, leadership excellence and unwavering advocacy for the welfare of journalists, particularly women in the media industry.
Setting the tone for the event, Chairman of the NUJ FRCN Chapel, Comrade Wahab Akinlade, extolled Dr. Oyetunde’s exceptional career, describing her return to Lagos as a moment of collective pride for the Chapel, FRCN and the journalism profession at large.
“Today is a moment of pride for us as a Chapel, for FRCN and indeed for journalism 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,” Akinlade said.
He noted that as the first female Deputy National President of the NUJ, Dr. Oyetunde has consistently broken barriers, inspired excellence and championed the rights and welfare of journalists nationwide.
In his goodwill message, Chairman of the NUJ Lagos State Council, Comrade Adeleye Ajayi, described the homecoming as well deserved, highlighting Dr. Oyetunde’s impressive leadership trajectory within the NUJ.
“She served as Secretary of the NUJ Lagos State Council, Special Adviser to the NUJ National President, Zone F National Trustee, and now Deputy National President. These milestones show that she is a woman of substance who has contributed meaningfully wherever she has served,” Ajayi stated.
He assured that the Lagos Council would continue to draw from her wealth of experience and leadership insight.
Also speaking, Director of the National Broadcast Academy (NBA), Dr. Sam Anyawu, described Dr. Oyetunde as a trailblazer and a woman of many firsts in Nigerian broadcasting.
“She was the first General Manager of Bronze FM, the first Bureau Chief of FRCN, and the first female Deputy National President of the NUJ. It is on record that she resuscitated Bronze FM, repositioning it into a revenue-generating station with remarkable growth in internally generated revenue,” he said.
The Director of Marketing, FRCN, Baba Istifanus, noted that Dr. Oyetunde’s redeployment to Lagos was already yielding positive results.
“During her stay in Benin, she was proactive and supportive. Since her return, we are beginning to see improvements, and I have no doubt that her presence will further enrich the Network,” he remarked.
Similarly, Director, Lagos Operations, Princess Nike Adegoke, described Dr. Oyetunde as “a beautiful soul, an icon and a trailblazer,” praying for greater wisdom and success in her new role.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the reading of Dr. Oyetunde’s citation by Mrs. Chinedu Okolo, which drew sustained applause from the audience as her achievements, leadership milestones and contributions to journalism were recounted.
Korede Ogunbunmi, Head of Department, Journalism, National Broadcast Academy, described her as a leader who “came, saw and conquered,” adding that she consistently empowers those around her to succeed.
Mr. Ogunbunmi also delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all guests and stakeholders who came to celebrate the distinguished media professional.
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 Wahab Akinlade–led executive of the FRCN NUJ Chapel received widespread commendation for organising a glamorous, well-coordinated and memorable reception befitting a woman whose career continues to inspire excellence, resilience and leadership in Nigerian journalism.