President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved sweeping appointments into the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), naming Rotimi Pedro, a co-founder of Television Continental (TVC), as the new Director-General of Africa’s largest television network.
The appointments, announced on Friday through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, also include seasoned journalist and former Channels Television Director of News, Stella Din Jacob, who takes over as Executive Director, News; Karimah Bello, Executive Director, Marketing; and Sophia Essahmed, who assumes office as Managing Director of NTA Enterprises Limited.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that NTA has been Nigeria’s flagship public broadcaster, once celebrated for its rich programming and wide reach.
However, in recent years, the network has faced criticisms over declining relevance, outdated technology, and competition from private stations.
Jacob’s inclusion further signals an emphasis on professionalism and editorial quality, given her reputation as one of the country’s most respected broadcast journalists.
In a statement signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, President Tinubu urged the new management team to work collaboratively in repositioning NTA as a modern, innovative broadcaster capable of meeting the information needs of Nigerians in the digital age.
“The President tasks the new appointees to work as a team in repositioning and revitalizing the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) by infusing innovations into the Agency for effective service delivery,” the statement read.
The appointments reflect not only a desire to professionalize NTA’s operations but also a deliberate spread across the country’s geopolitical zones, with the new leaders drawn from the South-West, North-West, North-Central, and North-East.
Media analysts say the move could be the beginning of a long-awaited transformation of NTA into a broadcaster that blends its rich legacy with the demands of modern broadcasting, one that can once again compete for the hearts of Nigerian viewers.