My Journey With Hon. Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul: From Classroom to National Politics
When I first met Hon. Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul, PhD in 2019 at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), neither of us could have predicted where the journey would lead(especially with the fact that he was wayyyyyy older than me). I was serving as an associate lecturer, teaching postgraduate diploma students in Broadcast Journalism. He was one of my students — attentive, disciplined, and deeply curious about how media could be used as a tool for social change.
Fast forward a few years, and he is now the Member of the Federal House of Representatives for Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency, sitting at the heart of Nigeria's legislative processes in Abuja. Somewhere along the way, our teacher-student relationship grew into friendship. And today, I often find myself helping to manage and facilitate his media appearances, ensuring that his voice, policies, and community engagement get the visibility they deserve.
One of the most memorable moments of this journey was earlier this year, during his 65th birthday celebration. We worked together to shape how the celebration would be shared with the public, and the story eventually aired with a notable mention on Journalists' Hangout on TVC News. That single media appearance wasn't just a birthday story, it was an exercise in political brand building.
From Abuja to Ajegunle: Staying Connected With the Grassroots
As a federal legislator, Hon. Kalejaiye Paul spends much of his time in Abuja, where legislative duties demand his presence. But unlike many politicians who become distant once they leave their constituencies, he remains deeply connected to his people in Ajegunle, Lagos.
I was reminded of this recently when I placed a random call to him. Coincidentally, he was back home in Lagos to engage with his constituents. During that visit, he lent his voice in support of INEC's voter registration drive, emphasizing the importance of broadening participation and calling for stronger electoral reforms.
"For me, it was not just another TV appearance. This was the third time in six months that he had returned to live television, speaking passionately about nation building, grassroots development, and governance reforms."
That consistency says a lot. In Nigerian politics, showing up repeatedly, not just during campaign season, shapes how people perceive you.
Media as a Political Classroom
Watching Hon. Kalejaiye Paul operate in the media space, I can't help but reflect on how much of his academic training in journalism now shows up in his politics. He doesn't see media as a stage for empty soundbites. He sees it as a classroom of democracy — a place where the public can be educated, where narratives can be reframed, and where politicians can earn credibility.
For instance, when speaking about voter registration, he doesn't stop at urging Nigerians to register. He goes deeper, pointing out how the voter's card in today's Nigeria is not just a political tool but also a form of economic relevance and even a status symbol. That kind of framing shows an understanding that democracy in Nigeria cannot be separated from the realities of daily survival.
It is a unique gift: the ability to merge policy language with grassroots storytelling. And that gift, in my view, is at the core of his political brand.
Media Appearances & Highlights
What This Means for His Political Brand Ahead of 2027
As someone who has both observed and worked closely with Hon. Kalejaiye Paul, I can say with confidence that every media appearance, every policy stance, and every grassroots visit is building toward something larger: his reelection campaign in 2027.
Here's why this matters:
Credibility as a legislator:
He is not a passive parliamentarian. His push for reforms like early voting for essential workers and inmate voting shows he is part of important national conversations.
Visibility as a community leader:
By returning frequently to Lagos and engaging directly with constituents, he avoids the "Abuja disconnect" that many lawmakers suffer from.
Reputation as a media-conscious politician:
By consistently appearing on platforms like TVC News, he builds familiarity, recognition, and trust, all of which will be critical in 2027.
In politics, perception is power. And Hon. Kalejaiye's personal brand is carefully weaving together three threads: policy credibility, grassroots connection, and media mastery.
Beyond Reelection: The Question of Legacy
Yet, as much as 2027 looms on the horizon, I see something bigger at play. Hon. Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul is not just shaping his reelection campaign; he is shaping a legacy.
From the classroom at NIJ to the halls of the National Assembly, he has carried with him a rare commitment to teaching through action. Every time he speaks about reforms, voter registration, or grassroots mobilization, he is not just politicking. He is educating. He is showing Nigerians why participation matters, why reforms must be funded, and why votes do, in fact, count.
That, to me, is what sets him apart. His political journey is not just about winning; it is about leaving behind a blueprint for accountable and media-savvy leadership in Nigeria.
Final Reflections
Looking back to 2019 when we first crossed paths at NIJ, I find it both humbling and inspiring to see how far Hon. Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul has come, before we met and even now, as the story writes itself. From student to legislator, from learning about media to mastering it as a tool of governance, his story is one of transformation — and one that continues to evolve.
As Nigeria prepares for the next cycle of elections, his consistency on live TV, his emphasis on grassroots development, and his calls for electoral reforms will continue to shape how he is perceived by both his constituents and the nation at large.
For me, it is also a personal journey, having the privilege to walk alongside him in amplifying his message. And if there's one thing I've learned from this, it's that politics, like journalism, is ultimately about connection. Connection to people, to truth, and to the future.
In 2027, the people of Ajeromi-Ifelodun will make their choice. But one thing is clear: Hon. Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul is not waiting until election season to make his case. He is already doing the work, one media appearance, one grassroots visit, and one reform at a time.