Spotlight on Influence: The Story of Rotarian Victor Ojelabi
by Dr. Yinka Dixon | 31 Aug 2025
Introduction
In every generation, a few voices rise above the noise. Those are voices that do more than comment. They shape the conversations that matter.
Rotarian Victor Ojelabi is one of those voices. His journey into media began not with privilege, but with passion.
Victor is a trained mass communicator and graduate of Lagos State Polytechnic, with a commanding voice in pop culture, religion, politics, business, and entertainment. Renowned for his fearless writing and unapologetic honesty, he is never afraid to speak truth to power.
He cut his professional media teeth as a creative executive and professional writer at Fortune&Class Magazine under the tutelage of respected veteran journalist, Dr. Niyi Akinsiju. That early foundational mentorship blossomed into more than a decade-long career of impact in Nigerian media, business, and social advocacy.
A Creative Force in Media
Over the years, Victor has contributed to numerous high-profile and influential publications in Nigeria’s media space, including Marketing Edge, Brand Communicator, Global Excellence, M2, and Metronews.
His work is defined by fearless honesty and creative depth - the kind of storytelling that doesn’t just inform but transforms public opinion.
In recognition of his impact, he was named Media Personality of the Year (2024) and emerged as first runner-up at the 2025 ADVAN Africa Awards.
Leadership at Iretura & Freelanews
As the head of Iretura Limited, a Lagos-based creative and media consultancy, Victor has redefined brand storytelling and positioned Iretura as a trusted ally for businesses seeking not just publicity, but influence.
He is also the visionary founder of TheFLEA Awards and publisher of Freelanews.com, a digital platform that has steadily grown since its 2011 launch.
By 2019, Freelanews secured its permanent domain, and in 2024, it was honoured with a Special Appreciation Award by the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) for its contribution to impactful journalism.
A Heart for Service
But Victor’s story isn’t just about media. It is also about humanity.
His path led him into the global network of Rotary International, where he has served in multiple leadership roles, leaving his mark at both the club and district levels.
From chairing the acclaimed “Brush Strokes of Hope” art exhibition at Radisson Blu Ikeja GRA, to co-chartering the Rotary Club of Ikeja Township, Victor has consistently used his creativity to advance Rotary’s mission of service.
He currently serves as Vice President and President-Elect of the club, as well as Secretary of the Public Image Committee at the District 9112 level.
His editorial contributions also extend continent-wide as Assistant Editor of the Rotary Africa Zone 22 Region 27 Magazine.
