The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has flagged off its 2025 Press Week with a thought-provoking theme, “Democracy and the Search for Quality Leadership in Nigeria.”
The week-long event, which runs from Sunday, October 12 to Friday, October 17, 2025, is being held at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan.
The Press Week brings together key figures in governance, academia, and media to deliberate on Nigeria’s democratic journey and the urgent need for quality leadership.
Delivering the guest lecture, Olooye Adegboyega Adegoke, FCA, Aare Egbe-Omo Balogun of Ibadanland, dissected the interplay between democracy and leadership, stating that Nigeria’s challenge is not the absence of democracy but the failure to produce leaders driven by integrity, vision, and a commitment to the public good.
He noted that Governor Makinde has “demonstrated what true leadership entails integrity, vision, commitment to public good, and transparency,” adding that such attributes align with the core characteristics of quality leadership Nigeria needs to advance.
Adegoke also extended warm greetings to the Chief of Staff to the Governor and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, commending their synergy with the executive arm in ensuring stability and development across the state.
He described their cooperation as “a hallmark of institutional harmony under a functional democratic system.”
Reiterating the importance of citizen participation, Adegoke urged residents to continue supporting good governance through civic engagement, accountability, and peaceful cooperation with constituted authorities.
In his presentation titled “Democracy and Search for Quality Leadership in Nigeria,” the 2027 PDP Guber Adegoke identified corruption, poor governance, and weak institutions as major hindrances to national development.
He stressed that quality leadership requires character, competence, and compassion, urging citizens to demand accountability and participate actively in democratic processes.
According to him, “The search for quality leadership in Nigeria requires attitudinal change and collective efforts of every Nigerian. We must work together to build a country where leaders are chosen based on merit, not mediocrity.”
The event also featured goodwill messages from distinguished personalities, including H.E. Ambassador Yemi Farounbi (Guest of Honour), His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde FNSE DSc, the Executive Governor of Oyo State ably represented by Hon Segun Ogunwuyi, the Chief of Staff (Special Guest of Honour), Hon Adebo Ogundoyin; Speaker of Oyo State and Chairman, Conference of Speakers, The Oyo NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ademola Babalola, served as the host, Comrade Titi Sodo; S. A. Labour, Pastor (Dr) Sulaimon Olanrewaju; S. A. Media/CPS, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State among others were NUJ Veterans and Stakeholders Mrs Funmi Chima; General Manager of Solutions 93.9 FM Ibadan and crews, SOLUTIONS 2027 Teams, Members of NUJ Oyo State cutting across chapters and units.
Throughout the week, journalists and guests will engage in various discussions, awards, and outreach programs aimed at promoting professionalism and national unity.
The NUJ Press Week 2025 reaffirms the union’s commitment to fostering dialogue, accountability, and the quest for transformative leadership that can reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and democracy.
