News Profile: Meet Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde, Deputy National Presidential Candidate NUJ Election (Owerri 2024)

Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde embodies the essence of existentialism, where purpose is forged through passion and dedication. Her journey is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for growth, resilience, and transformation. She is a towering figure in Nigerian journalism, whose career is a masterclass in excellence, dedication, and transformative leadership.

With an impressive journey that began over 28 years ago, she has not only witnessed the evolution of journalism in Nigeria but has also been a powerful force shaping its course. Like the ancient Greek concept of ‘eudaimonia,’ Dr. Oyetunde’s life work exemplifies a state of being that flourishes through living a life of virtue, excellence, and service to others.

In the spirit of Nietzsche’s ‘will to power,’ Dr. Oyetunde’s career is a masterclass in self-overcoming, where challenges are embraced as opportunities for growth and self-actualization. Her story is one of passion and purpose. Starting out as a news reporter and marketing executive at DAAR Communications (Raypower) from 1994 to 1997, Mrs. Oyetunde’s brilliance was immediately evident. She broke new ground by establishing the Lagos Island and Apapa offices, a move that showcased her knack for strategy and her bold approach to media management. This early success was just a prelude to what would become a remarkable career.

Her commitment to journalistic integrity and truth-seeking reflects the philosophical ideals of ‘aletheia’ (unveiling) and ‘parrhesia’ (fearless speech), where the pursuit of truth is a fundamental aspect of human existence. In 1998, she joined the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), where she would carve out a legacy of excellence. As a News Commentary Writer, Business Reporter/Editor, and later as Controller/Head of the Business Desk, Mrs. Oyetunde demonstrated her unmatched versatility and deep understanding of the media landscape.

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Through her mentorship and leadership, Dr. Oyetunde has become a ‘Socratic midwife,’ helping to birth new ideas and inspire the next generation of media practitioners to strive for excellence. Her commitment to journalistic integrity and her keen editorial sense led to her appointment as the General Manager of Radio Nigeria Bronze FM in Benin City, Edo State, in 2016. In this role, she has transformed the station into a beacon of quality broadcasting, overseeing a talented team of 135 staff members and driving content that resonates with audiences across the region.

Dr Oyetunde’s academic and professional credentials are as formidable as her career. She holds a Master’s degree in Communications Studies from Lagos State University and a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from Ogun State Polytechnic. A lifelong learner, she has honed her skills through rigorous training at esteemed institutions such as the FRCN Training School, Lagos Business School, Tunia, and the City University of New York, where she specialized in Digital Journalism. Her international exposure is equally extensive, with her presence felt at major global events like the World Bank/IMF meetings, the sidelines of president Buhari’s visit in Washington D.C.,also China,where she covered the sidelines of President Jonathan’s visit,Tokyo, Canada, London,Liberia,Ghana and key seminars and workshops worldwide.

A revered leader and advocate, Dr. Oyetunde has been a strong voice within the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). From her impactful tenure as Chairman of the NUJ FRCN Chapel and Secretary of the Lagos State Council to her current role as a National Trustee, she has championed the rights, safety, and welfare of journalists, tirelessly working to uplift the profession.
She was also Secretary, credentials committee for 2018 Delegates Conference.

Her role as Vice President (West Africa) for the Journalists International for Migration (JIFORM) further solidifies her as a leader of thought and action on the global stage.

In her quest for journalism welfarism, Dr Oyetunde fought for the weigh-in allowance that Federal and State Government media workers are enjoying now.In the process of pursuing this,she had an accident in 2013. This did not deter her as a committed Comrade.

She was a former National vice Chairman of Finance correspondent association of Nigeria, FICAN. A member of many other business associations. She is currently the Director, (coordinator),Nigeria association of Women entrepreneurs,Lagos state.

In every role she has taken on, Dr Oyetunde has exemplified what it means to be a true professional—resilient, innovative, and committed to the pursuit of truth. Her dedication to press freedom, her advocacy for journalist safety, and her unrelenting drive to mentor the next generation of media practitioners are all reflections of her deep love for the profession.

Her contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, the Institute of Public Sector Management in the United Kingdom conferred upon her a Doctoral Award, a fitting tribute to a woman who has spent her life elevating the standards of journalism. Dr Abimbola Oyetunde is more than a journalist; she is an institution, a visionary, and an enduring symbol of what is possible when passion meets purpose in the pursuit of truth.

Oyetunde’s remarkable journey as a multi-award winning journalist is indeed a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for growth, resilience, and transformation. Enter our incoming Deputy National President of NUJ… This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.