President Bola Tinubu has appointed seven executive directors to key positions within the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). The announcement, made on Friday, September 27, 2024, signals a significant shift in the management of the country’s premier television network. This strategic restructuring aims to propel the NTA into a new era of digital broadcasting, aligning it with global standards and enhancing its role in shaping Nigeria’s media narrative.
Meet NTA’s New Executive Directors
The Presidential Villa in Abuja buzzed with activity as news of the appointments spread. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, released a statement detailing the new executive lineup:
1. Ayo Adewuyi: Re-appointed as Executive Director, News
2. Bar. Ibrahim Aliyu: Executive Director, Special Duties
3. Malam Muhammed Fatuhu Mustapha: Executive Director, Administration and Training
4. Mrs Apinke Effiong: Executive Director, Finance
5. Mrs Tari Taylaur: Executive Director, Programme
6. Mr Sadique Musa Omeiza: Executive Director, Engineering
7. Mrs Kemi Fashina: Executive Director, Marketing
“These appointments take immediate effect,” Onanuga emphasized, underlining the urgency of the transition.
A Vision for Digital Transformation
President Tinubu’s directive to the new appointees was clear and ambitious. The President urges the appointees to bring their wealth of experience to bear on the operations of the national broadcast station, particularly in scaling up to meet global digital standards,” the statement read.
This mandate reflects a growing recognition of the need for Nigeria’s public broadcaster to adapt to the rapidly evolving media landscape. In an exclusive interview, media analyst Dr. Funmi Adeyemi noted, “This is a critical juncture for the NTA. The challenge now is to transition from traditional broadcasting to a multi-platform, digital-first approach that can engage younger audiences and compete with international media giants.
Each of the newly appointed directors brings a unique set of skills and experiences to their roles:
Ayo Adewuyi, reappointed as Executive Director of News, has been a familiar face at the NTA for over two decades. “Continuity in our news division is crucial,” Adewuyi stated. “We’ll build on our strengths while embracing innovative storytelling techniques to keep our audience informed and engaged.”
Bar. Ibrahim Aliyu, taking on the role of Executive Director for Special Duties, comes with a background in media law. My focus will be on ensuring that our content meets the highest ethical and legal standards while pushing the boundaries of creative broadcasting,” Aliyu explained.
Malam Muhammed Fatuhu Mustapha, the new Executive Director for Administration and Training, emphasized the importance of capacity building. We’re committed to developing a workforce that’s not just technologically savvy but also deeply rooted in the ethics of public service broadcasting,” Mustapha asserted.
The appointments have generated considerable buzz within Nigeria’s media circles. Veteran broadcaster Chief Bisi Olatilo expressed cautious optimism: “These are competent professionals, no doubt. But the real test will be how quickly they can implement changes in a system that has been resistant to reform.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) issued a statement welcoming the appointments while calling for editorial independence. NUJ President Comrade Chris Isiguzo stated, “We hope this new leadership will prioritize objective reporting and resist any form of political interference.”
As the new directors prepare to take their posts, they face a myriad of challenges. The NTA, once the unchallenged leader in Nigerian broadcasting, now competes with numerous private channels and digital platforms for viewership.
Media consultant Oluwaseun Olaniyi outlined some key areas for improvement: “The NTA needs to overhaul its digital presence, from live streaming capabilities to social media engagement. There’s also a pressing need to upgrade studio equipment and train staff in modern production techniques.
Funding remains another critical issue. With government budgets stretched thin, the new leadership will need to explore innovative financing models to fund the necessary upgrades.
On the streets of Lagos, Africa’s largest city, opinions on the NTA’s future were mixed. “I can’t remember the last time I watched NTA,” admitted Chidi Okafor, a 28-year-old software developer. They need to create content that speaks to young Nigerians if they want to stay relevant.
However, older viewers like Mrs. Folashade Adebayo, a retired teacher, defended the network’s importance: “NTA is part of our national heritage. It’s where we’ve always turned for official information. I hope these new directors can preserve that legacy while making it appealing to my grandchildren too.”
As the newly appointed executive directors prepare to take their positions, the eyes of the nation are upon them. Their success or failure could have far-reaching implications not just for the NTA, but for the future of public broadcasting in Nigeria.
President Tinubu’s bold move in reshaping the NTA’s leadership underscores the government’s recognition of the media’s crucial role in national development. By injecting new blood into the organization’s top echelons, there’s hope for a renaissance in public broadcasting that can inform, educate, and entertain Nigerians across all demographics.
The coming months will be critical as the new team works to implement their vision. From upgrading technology infrastructure to reimagining program formats, the challenges are numerous. Yet, if successful, their efforts could transform the NTA into a modern, dynamic broadcaster capable of competing on the global stage while staying true to its public service mandate.
As Nigeria continues its journey towards becoming a digital-first nation, the revitalization of its national broadcaster could serve as a powerful symbol of progress. The nation watches with bated breath, hoping that this new chapter in the NTA’s history will be one of innovation, excellence, and renewed relevance in the lives of all Nigerians.
