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Nigeria’s TV golden era: who were the stars behind the screen that made broadcasting a dream job?
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In a heartfelt tribute marking his 25 years in media and the 5th anniversary of “WithChude”, Chude Jideonwo celebrates 50 Nigerian television icons whose talent, sacrifice, and brilliance paved the way for his career and inspired generations.
From trailblazing broadcasters to visionary presenters, these pioneers transformed Nigeria’s media landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and its audiences. This is a full list and short bio to know more about their legacy.
Nigerian TV Icons
Frank Olize: Iconic newscaster, renowned for hosting NTA’s Newsline in the 1980s and 1990s, captivating audiences with his unique delivery style.
Levi Ajuonuma: Former NTA broadcaster, known for anchoring NTA Network News and his impactful media presence until his passing in the 2012 Dana Air crash.
Yinka Craig: Trailblazing sports journalist, celebrated for presenting Sports Panorama on NTA and his work at FRCN, later founding Yinka Craig and Associates.
Sadiq Daba: Veteran broadcaster and actor, famous for NTA’s Cock Crow at Dawn and his AMAA Best Actor award for October 1 (2014).
Abike Dabiri: Esteemed journalist turned politician, known for anchoring Newsline at NTA and her current role as Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
Funmi Iyanda: Pioneering talk show host of New Dawn with Funmi on NTA, honoured with the Nigeria Media Merit Award for Best TV Presenter and recognised for her advocacy for women’s rights.
Agatha Amata: Media entrepreneur and host of Inside Out with Agatha on Rave TV, addressing social issues with empathy; recipient of multiple media excellence awards.
Cyril Stober: Veteran NTA newscaster, a household name for anchoring NTA Network News with authoritative yet warm delivery over the decades.
Gina Harry: Respected broadcaster, known for presenting Women’s World on NTA’s network programs.
John Momoh: Founder of Channels TV, transforming Nigerian journalism with Channels News coverage; recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Nigeria Media Merit Awards.
Teni Aofiyebi: Accomplished actress and presenter, known for hosting Entertainment Tonight on AIT, blending media and entertainment with her versatile talent.
Kenny ‘Keke’ Ogungbe: Co-founder of Kennis Music and host of Primetime Africa on AIT, shaping Nigeria’s music and TV landscape.
Dayo ‘D-One’ Adeneye: Media mogul and co-founder of Kennis Music, known for co-hosting Primetime Africa on AIT, promoting Nigerian music globally.
Alero Edu: Influential broadcaster, recognised for presenting Education Today on NTA’s educational and cultural programming.
Adesuwa Onyenokwe: Host of Today’s Woman on TVC, empowering audiences with stories of resilience; awarded the Excellence in Media Award for her impactful journalism.
Ohi Alegbe: Veteran journalist and presenter, known for anchoring Business Today on NTA.
Nonye Osi: Dynamic broadcaster, engaging viewers with her vibrant presence on Morning Ride on NTA.
Chukwudi Okolie-Ugbaja: Respected media personality, known for presenting Political Platform on AIT.
Elaine Otuije: Notable presenter, known for hosting Health Matters on NTA with professionalism and charm.
Mariam Anazodo: Sports journalist and presenter, breaking barriers with Sports World on Channels TV.
Jumobi Adegbesan: Media personality, recognized for co-hosting AM Express on NTA with poised contributions.
Adaobi of MBI: Influential broadcaster, known for hosting MBI News on Minaj Broadcast International’s impactful media projects.
Tosin Dokpesi: Media executive, contributing to AIT News and the growth of AIT under Daar Communications.
Emma Ugolee: Popular TV host of Music Africa on AIT, celebrated for showcasing African talent.
Comfort Okoronkwo: Veteran presenter, known for hosting Women’s Forum on NTA with warmth and professionalism.
Lilian Agbaso: Esteemed broadcaster, engaging audiences with Family Matters on NTA.
Eyiyemi Pratt: Respected journalist, known for presenting News at 10 on NTA with compelling storytelling.
Kehinde Young-Harry: Pioneering presenter, contributing to the Morning Show on NTA’s early TV landscape.
Ireti Doyle: Acclaimed actress and presenter, known for her eloquence on Today on STV; recipient of the AMVCA Best Supporting Actress award (2016).
Tosin Ajayi: Dynamic broadcaster, recognized for hosting Lifestyle on Channels TV with vibrant presence.
Isaac Moses: Host of Goge Africa on various networks, promoting African culture and tourism through television.
Nneka Moses: Co-host of Goge Africa on various networks, celebrating African heritage alongside her husband, Isaac.
Frank Edoho: Iconic host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Nigeria on syndicated networks, known for his wit; honored with the City People Entertainment Award for TV Host of the Year.
Namure Edoimioya: Respected broadcaster, known for presenting Business News on NTA with professionalism.
Eugenia Abu: Award-winning NTA newscaster, recipient of the Nigeria Media Merit Award for Best Newscaster for NTA Network News and recognized for her mentorship.
Segun Arinze: Actor and presenter, known for hosting Movie Magic on AIT, bridging entertainment and media.
Tonnie Iredia: Former NTA Director-General, instrumental in advancing NTA News broadcast standards.
Modele Sarafa-Yusuf: Journalist and presenter, known for anchoring Inside Politics on TVC with insightful commentary.
Siene Alwell-Brown: Veteran broadcaster, celebrated for presenting NTA News at 7 with a commanding presence.
Ngozi Alaegbu: Broadcast journalist and TV presenter. She has worked at Degue Broadcasting Network, Television Continental and currently works with Arise TV
ID Ogungbe: Media personality, known for hosting Music Countdown on AIT, contributing to Nigeria’s vibrant TV industry.
Yori Folarin: Sports journalist and presenter, engaging audiences with Sports Extra on Channels TV.
Charles ‘Charly Boy’ Oputa: Maverick entertainer and host of The Charly Boy Show on NTA, recipient of multiple entertainment industry honours.
Bene Uche: Broadcaster and producer, shaping Nigeria’s media with Youth Scene on NTA.
Mo Abudu: Media mogul and founder of EbonyLife TV, revolutionising African storytelling with Moments with Mo; honoured with the Forbes Africa Entertainment Award and MIPTV Médaille d’Honneur.
Kathleen Obiang: Respected presenter, known for hosting Health Watch on AIT with engaging delivery.
Isreal Edjeren: Media personality, contributing to News Hour on AIT’s broadcast journalism.
Patrick Doyle: Veteran broadcaster and actor, known for anchoring Newsline on NTA with a commanding presence.
Bimbo Oloyede: Iconic NTA newscaster, celebrated for presenting NTA News at 9 with poise and professionalism.
Patrick Oke: Legendary NTA news anchor, a cornerstone of NTA Network News in the 1980s.
In Summary
As curated by Chude, the legacy of these 50 Nigerian TV icons stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and excellence.
Their groundbreaking contributions, honoured through prestigious awards and the admiration of millions, have redefined storytelling and empowered a new generation of media trailblazers. Here’s to their timeless impact and the vibrant future they’ve inspired.
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