Total revenues from Nigeria’s Entertainment and Media (E&M) sector are projected to grow from $4.5 billion in 2025 to $4.9 billion this year, with the creative economy contributing two per cent.
PwC Nigeria, which gave this projection, said the $4.9 billion growth is driven by demographic trends, streaming adoption, and strong and expanding adoption of digital distribution channels.
PwC, in its ‘2026 Nigeria Economic Outlook: Turning Macroeconomic Stability into Sustainable Growth’ released last week, said the projected growth of Nigeria’s E&M sector reinforces its position as Africa’s fastest-growing E&M market.
Providing more details, PwC said Over-The-Top (OTT) video, cinema, music radio and podcasts constitute the creative economy segment which will account for two per cent of the total E&M sector revenues in 2026.
The Outlook, which was made available to The Nation, specifically said growth is increasingly digitally led, with OTT video revenues rising from $33 million to $37 million and music, radio and podcasts expanding from $67 million to $73 million, reflecting rising streaming and audio consumption.
The PwC report noted that mobile internet penetration, cheaper data plans, and smartphone adoption continue to shift consumer behaviour towards on-demand and digital-first content, particularly among Gen Z and millennial audiences.
It further stated that continued investment in fibre rollout and Five Generation (5G) deployment is expected to unlock new digital experiences and monetisation opportunities, supporting further E&M sector expansion beyond 2026.
Investment in the creative sector through various government and private sector interventions such as the Creative Economy Development Fund, the report said, may also drive the growth in the sector this year.
The adoption of technology in the creative sector surged in 2025, driven by private sector involvement and government measures such as the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC’s) launch of the Council for Creative Technology Futures (CCTF).
The CCTF serves as a high-level platform for policy, strategy, and implementation, harnessing technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Web3, and blockchain across more than 49 creative industry sectors.
The CCTF will guide the creative industries into a digitally empowered future, equip creators with global tools and market access, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a cultural and technological powerhouse.
PwC said this year, the sector is set for strong tech-driven growth, powered by government initiatives like Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Program (iDICE), rising Venture Capital (VC) funding, and global success in Afrobeats and Nollywood.
“We expect wider use of AI for content creation, OTT streaming, AR/VR experiences, and gaming supported by 5G expansion,” the report by the multinational professional services company said.
The iDICE is a Federal Government’s initiative promoting investment in digital and creative industries. It is part of Nigeria’s efforts to build back better, greener, and more inclusive, and to create more sustainable jobs for its youthful population.
The $617.7 million program targets Nigerians aged 15 to 35 years who are involved in innovative, early-stage, technology-enabled start-ups or in creative sector micro, small and medium sized enterprises.
The program is co-financed by the Federal Government through the Bank of Industry (BoI), African Development Bank (AfDB), the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
Despite the positive outlook for Nigeria’s E&M market this year, PwC Nigeria said funding gaps, infrastructure constraints, and piracy risks may limit upside, though targeted public and private investment could support growth.
Media experts, including veteran broadcaster, Dr. Yemi Farounbi; media adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju; owner of Wellsradio, Evang. Lillian Bademosi and others have called on broadcasters and content producers to churn out quality and valuable contents that will uphold family values, to build a better Nigeria.
They spoke at the first anniversary of Wells 89.3 FM, Oluyole, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The experts said Nigeria would get better if right and wholesome values were promoted in the media.
Farounbi, the chairman of Board of Directors of the station, said the content of the media must promote good values, to have a good society.
He said: ‘’If we are going to build a better society, we should look at the content of our media. We must begin to talk about those values that can elevate, unite and make us to have a society that is better than what we have now. Years ago, we talked about integrity. If we don’t promote those values, we cannot have a good society.’’
There has been another addition to President Bola Tinubu’s media team. The president has also restructured his media team in a bid to “enhance efficiency within the government’s communication machinery.” Thanks be to God!
Well, we are not here to look into the costs and benefits of this new addition at a time when Nigerians are clamouring for a review of the cost of the machinery of the government and the implementation of the Oronsaye Report on the cost of governance. Our focus is on the strategic relationship between government and citizens, as explored in ‘Media, democracy and the public interest’.
Politics, as Italian philosopher Antonio Gramsci noted, involves shifting the territory of discourse to advance one’s project. In a democratic setup, the government employs this principle – shifting the territory of discourse – to present its stance and persuade the public. Therefore, it is our considered opinion that, in a very difficult economic dysfunction, Tinubu should have emulated the British Prime Minister James Harold Wilson, who on getting elected in a very difficult economic crisis in 1964, chose as his Chief Media Spokesman, not a traditional media spokesperson but a young Economics professor to carry the public along as brutal decisions had to be made to navigate the crisis. It was a game-changing appointment! The Tinubu-led government should still consider this!
That said, the government’s response to the economic crisis, caused by decades of policy mishaps and ill-advised decisions, is necessary and inevitable. However, while this response brings short-term pain, it also sparks disaffection among citizens. To address this, a democracy facing economic turmoil needs constant, clear explanation of the situation and the importance of reforms. These “explainers” should emphasize how reforms benefit the majority of working individuals and their families. The government must now concentrate on the team of explainers, as consistent and clear messaging is crucial for building public trust and understanding.
The Tinubu government must now determine the territory of the debate rather than adopting a perceived reactive position. This is what governments in very difficult economic circumstances have always done and indeed are expected to do. New forms of messaging must be explored in a creative and imaginative pursuit of wooing the audience and in the process capturing and moulding hearts and minds.
As the Canadian communication theorist Marshall McLuhan notably argued, “The medium is the message.” The government must determine a cost-effective medium to use for its messaging explainers and constant reminders. A review of strategy, methods and effectiveness must be carried out. This is very important for a country at a critical juncture like ours. Resorting to insults and profanity may bring momentary comfort, but it accomplishes nothing meaningful and can have devastating repercussions.
Daron Acemoglu, Turkish-American economist and 2024 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics winner noted in ‘Why Nations Fail’, that nations must navigate critical junctures. Nigeria at a pivotal moment presents the Tinubu government with a historic opportunity to redefine the country’s political economy and be interpreted as the game-changing administration. To achieve this, the government must engage the majority and build a lasting national consensus. This requires revitalizing messaging and the positive redirection of the territory of the debate to support its visionary project.
The relationship between democracy and the press is a sacred one. As the fourth estate, the press promotes democratic values like freedom, equality and justice. Ideally, it acts as a catalyst for change, barking loudly when those in power overstep their boundaries. However, when the press becomes beholden to special interests or political ideologies, it can create an echo chamber amplifying misinformation and drowning out dissenting voices. When the delicate dance turns into a tug-of-war between the pursuit of truth and the pursuit of profit, the tension can lead to a watered-down version of the truth, where sensationalism reigns supreme and fact-checking takes a backseat.
It also needs to be noted that the power of the press is a double-edged sword – it can either uphold or undermine democracy, depending on how it is wielded. When the press is free to report the truth without fear or favour, democracy flourishes. But when the press is compromised or manipulated, democracy suffers. It’s a simple equation, but one that requires constant vigilance to maintain. As citizens, it’s our responsibility to ensure that the press remains a force for good, holding those in power accountable and providing us with the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.
Presently, the Nigerian media landscape is a complex web of economic struggles, government influence and the quest for survival. Unfortunately, the media has been browbeaten into submission, forced to prioritize government patronage over objective reporting. Media owners and practitioners are caught between a rock and a hard place, desperate to stay afloat amidst economic crisis. The allure of government adverts and sponsorships is too great to resist, even if it means injuring journalistic integrity.
In this precarious environment, social media has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a cheaper and relatively punishment-free alternative. However, traditional media outlets remain terrified of losing government patronage, which could spell financial disaster. The example of Lagos-Abeokuta Road, a death trap that’s been ignored by mainstream media, highlights the consequences of this fear. TVC, for instance, cannot afford to lose the one-hour program sponsored by the Ogun State Government. This predicament raises fundamental questions about the role of media in a democratic society. Take, for instance, how can journalists maintain objectivity when their livelihoods depend on government favour? The economic crisis has only exacerbated this issue, as companies slash advertising budgets and media outlets scramble for scraps.
The situation is dire, with industrial firms pulling out and leaving Nigeria’s media landscape impoverished. Media outlets struggle to stay afloat, compromising their independence, patronage and sponsorship come with strings attached, stifling objective reporting, and the public views media content with skepticism, eroding trust in institutions. How then can the media reclaim its role as a watchdog, holding those in power accountable and fostering a more informed, engaged citizenry?
In an address to the All Nigerian Editors Conference, recently, the president highlighted the pivotal role of the media in Nigeria’s democracy. He acknowledged that the country’s democratic experience wouldn’t have been possible without the media’s tireless efforts. He therefore urged media practitioners to continue holding elected officials accountable, promoting transparency and mutual respect.
Obviously, Tinubu’s emphasis on cooperation between the government and media is a step in the right direction. By recognizing their intertwined roles, both parties can work together to empower citizens, strengthen democratic institutions and foster a more informed society. As experts have noted, Nigeria’s democratic progress hinges on the media’s ability to hold leaders accountable and promote transparency. In other words, if the president’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ must work in a way to unlock Nigeria’s vast potential, it’s crucial that press freedom and accountability remain the cornerstones of this vision.
Harold Wilson’s ability to simplify complex issues was pure genius. Despite not being a journalist, he could explain intricate concepts in an accessible way, making him understandable to everyone, including a market vendor. Nigerian states and local governments can learn from Wilson’s approach. Currently, they struggle to articulate their stance on the minimum wage debate. Emulating the Federal Government’s communication strategy would help clarify their positions and foster better public understanding.
May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!
According to the MD and Chairman Award Committee, Great Pen Media, Olorundare Enimola, Adeyemo was honoured with the Award of Excellence in Quality Service Delivery in the Training (Productivity) category of the Transport Industry Awards organized by the organization for the Year 2023.
The award recognized her exceptional contribution to improving productivity and processes through her training and consulting work with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
A Professor of Mass Communication in Enugu State University of Science and Technology(ESUT) Prof Sunny Udeze has advised African leaders to dismantle the bad image and impression already created about Africa by reporting themselves responsibly, especially with the assistance of the social media.
Udeze also advised African leaders to put to an end their entrenched corrupt practices if they want the global media to report them positively, as there is no better means to making good public relations than telling the truth and making positive impacts than painting ugliness.
Udeze gave the advice at the ESUT 39th inaugural lecture 2024 titled “Deconstruction stereotypes and reconstructing the Image of Africa in the Global Media: Public Relations Nexus.”
He noted that the representation of Africa in Western media is far from improving due to the media’s “centuries-old, colonial representation of Africa as a helpless, war-torn, poverty-stricken and corruption-infested continent despite recent political and economic growth and development in Africa.
“Irrespective of the fact that the way Western media represents Africa has received a lot of academic investigations and arguments over the years, what is remarkable is that the issue still persists.
“The implication of such profound statement is that it is high time Africa stopped complaining of negative reportage from the West. It is time the continent braces up with enough courage to report itself responsibly, especially with the assistance of the social media which has somewhat provided a level playing ground in international communication,” he said.
He challenged African leaders to set the news agenda about the continent, about themselves report development and as well, report Africa in the African way.
Udeze expressed sadness over the outrageous corrupt practices of African leaders which made their perception negative such that the impression about the continent was that they live in caves, treetops; have tails like monkeys and so many other stereotypes that do not reflect good images of the black race.
He tied the negative impressions to the high level of corruption, particularly in the official circles, stressing that overcoming the misconceptions and prejudices must be based on truth and good governance.
According to the Public Relations don, one cannot do good public relations except he has done the right thing, noting that most images we have about people are images mostly created in the mass media.
“We, as a people, need to rethink and that is when people can have good public relations, because it’s all about doing the right thing. We create negative images about Africa by the things we do, particularly corruption.
“News is the unusual and Africans practice the usual which makes the foreign media take it up and the creation of Africa stereotypes continue. Public relations are used in deconstructing such negative images but truth must be emphasized in Public Relations.
“Governments all over the world accord premium to image hence the craze for favourable reportage in global media. Image no matter how solidly built comes crumbling at the least damage. This has brought about the vicious circle of deconstruction and reconstruction. It is a must for every government and by extension every organic entity.
“The most important thing that we really need to do as a people, as a continent, is to start understanding that there is more to life than all the grab, grab things we do. How many foreigners come to Nigeria to build a house, why do we carry our money and keep in foreign banks while our people are hungry, our institutions are decaying, our hospitals are bad and they will now go overseas for treatment?
“Therefore, Africa leaders have to realize that good image is not given on a platter of gold, you work for it through your actions and inactions. What you do or leave on the ground speaks volumes,” Udeze said.
Chief Moses Akinmade, Obamoluwa of Idanre in Ondo State, has died.
He was the father of Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Ogun State governor, Kayode Akinmade.
Announcing his death in a statement yesterday, Akinmade, also special adviser on Media to former House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole, said his father died on Monday.
The statement said the family is consoled the late agriculturist and culture enthusiast lived a distinguished life.
How can the media survive in the rapidly changing business environment in which it operates?
This was the nut that media gurus, led by Vanguard Publisher, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, popularly called Uncle Sam, gathered in Lagos yesterday to crack at the Lateef Jakande Annual Memorial Lecture, organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
The maiden lecture was held last year in the guild’s desire to continue to interrogate developments affecting the media and society in appreciation of Jakande’s legacies.
The late Jakande, a former governor of Lagos State, was the guild’s founding president.
Setting the tone for discussions at the well-attended event with the theme: Rapidly Changing Media Landscape: Survival Strategies, Uncle Sam, who chaired the occasion, said the media was killing itself to produce newspapers for a rapidly diminishing audience.
“People do not buy papers on the streets again like in the past; they now read on phone. Then, there are no vendors from whom to buy the papers. Vendors are no longer interested in selling because they do not make enough to fend for themselves,” he said.
In the past, Uncle Sam recalled, the papers were everywhere.
“The Daily Times was seen in many places; we cannot say the same for any paper today. We must do something about it. We can introduce subscription as they have it abroad… If we want to survive, we must decide on what to do,” he said.
Uncle Sam added: “Time waits for no one. It takes a lot to produce the papers that vendors do not sell. How many titles are making money? If they do not sell the papers, the print will die; you (newspaper editors) will become members of the online publication brigade.”
Uncle Sam also lamented the high cost of newsprint, saying from about N600,000 per tonne a few years ago, it is now over N1.6 million.
The Lead Speaker and ThisDay Publisher Nduka Obaigbena said the media’s survival was in its hands.
“That survival,” he stressed, “must come from the audience – the audience is young, compared to the editors whose average age is 40 and above.
“Are we connecting with this audience? Are we working with them? We are in a new world, which is being shaped by technology. The means of distribution is changing. It is now the phone and not the paper, but good journalism, old fashioned journalism, getting your facts right, telling it as it is and engaging with the people will never change,” Obaigbena said.
The publisher said the coming of Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a threat to media business, noting that “it is a machine which will respond to how we treat and engage it”.
He urged the editors to prepare for AI and promote the education of their personnel to enable them understand the use of AI.
Obaigbena suggested that intellectual property be recognised as an asset and paid for by other channels, such as Google, Facebook, and related social media that use such works.
The Chief Executive of Diamond Media, Mr. Lanre Idowu, wondered if the editors were speaking the language of the youths to know what they actually wanted.
The media, he said, must reeducate, rediscover and rededicate itself to what it was doing, pointing out that diversification was crucial to its survival.
He recalled that the Daily Times management under the late Alhaji Ismail Babatunde Jose became what it was because there were other businesses to support the title.
Operator of Journalism Clinic, Mr. Taiwo Obe, emphasised the need for stories to have context in this era of social media, which would have carried such reports the previous day on their sites.
“So, papers must give insight, intelligence and information on the stories they are carrying in order to keep their audience. Papers have built trust over the years, we must convert this trust into money by doing our work diligently,” he said.
Obe said he believed that AI would aid the work of the media, urging the editors to start preparing for its use now as it is an advanced technology which the industry could not run away from.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Commissioner, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, said the print would not die.
He recalled that the same thing was said when radio and television came, but papers never died.
Every July is peculiar to the media industry in Nigeria as professionals within the fourth estate of realm have causes to eulogise, extol and celebrate some of their own, who have bestrode and are still bestriding the sector like a colossus. Many of these achievers have not only made significant impacts in the field of journalism, they have also contributed to good governance under democratic rule in the country.
At different times, they have either served as chief executive officers of their states, ministers and commissioners either under a military or democratic government. Hence, many of them have been regarded as shapers of destinies, builders, mentors, fathers, doyen of the media practice in the country and notable faces and voices of good government at one time or the other. Consequently, the de la creme in the society gather at different event centers to celebrate their lives, service, leadership and commitment to a better society.
These celebrations are not by sycophants, as we see within the political set up, but men and women of timber and caliber who have been directly impacted rally round these leaders to extol their intellect, professionalism, nationalism, humanness, integrity, leadership and truthfulness.
Though the list of eminent and accomplished journalists is long, only a few were born in July. The July media enigma include former governor of Lagos State in the Third Republic, late Alhaji Lateef Jakande; former governor of Ogun State in the Fourth Republic, Chief Aremu Olusegun Osoba; the pioneer Managing Director of the Champion newspaper, Prince Henry Odukomaiya; Professor Olatunji Dare; Chief Nduka Obaigbena, Publisher/Chairman, ThisDay Newspapers and Arise TV; former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the defunct National Mirror among others.
Alhaji Lateef Jakande
Abdullateef Olukayode was born July 23, 1929, at Epetedo, Lagos Island, Lagos. His parents had migrated from Omu-Aran, in present Kwara State to Lagos.
Young Lateef began his elementary education at the Enu Owa Public School, Lagos Island, from where he proceeded to the Banham Memorial Methodist School, Port Harcourt (1934-43). He attended two secondary schools – the prestigious King’s College, Lagos and Ilesha Grammar School, Ilesha, now in Osun State.
It was at Ilesha Grammar School, that Jakande began the process of cutting his journalistic teeth by editing the school’s Quarterly Mirror, a literary journal. From that rudimentary beginning in journalism, he migrated to full-blown print journalism, first at the Daily Express and later, at the Nigerian Tribune Group on the invitation of the founder, Chief Obafemi, Awolowo.
And from reporter, then editor, he rose to the pinnacle of the journalism profession to become the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Tribune Group until he quit in 1979 to become the first elected civilian Governor of Lagos State on October 1, 1979 on the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, led by Awolowo.
Baba Kekere’s government obtained numerous landmark projects in education, health, infrastructure, and other sectors. Notably are unprecedented low-cost housing schemes, popularly referred to as Jakande Estates that still adorn the commercial city’s skyline till date. Jakande, regarded as a man of uncommon industry whose titanic effort put Lagos State into a different orbit, also served as Minister of Works and Housing under late Gen. Sanni Abacha.
Skilled in editorial craftsmanship, Jakande would write daily editorials in advance for publication in the newspapers. He did that to maintain editorial quality and to set standards for his subordinates. Editorial writing was his forte, and those in government and authority looked forward to it and feared it at the same time.
Hadj Jakande excelled in journalism at home and abroad. The Nigeria Institute of Journalism, (NIJ), the Newspapers’ Proprietors Association of Nigeria, (NPAN), the Nigeria Press Organisation, (NPO), incorporates the broadcast and print media, all bearing the imprimatur of Hadj Jakande.
He chaired the Executive Committee of the International Press Institute, IPI, the global network of journalists and senior editors who work to uphold freedom of the Press worldwide. In that capacity, he won a hosting right for the General Assembly and World Congress of the IPI to be held in Nigeria in the Summer of 1975 ‘and the first time in Africa.
Though dead at 91, on February 11, 2021, his impactful service still speaks volume. This made the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in 2023 to institute an annual memorial lecture in his honour.
Chief Olusegun Osoba
Regarded as the journalists’ journalist, Chief Aremu Olusegun Osoba’s name will take a loud mention anytime the history of journalism in Nigeria, is written. Born on Saturday, July 15, 1939, Osoba attended a series of professional courses after high school graduation from Methodist Boys High School Lagos.
Osoba, who celebrated 85 years earlier this month, obtained a diploma in journalism at the University of Lagos and went for a one-year course in the United Kingdom on the scholarship of the Commonwealth Press Union in 1967. He studied Journalism at Indiana University, USA. In 1974, he won the Nieman Fellowship for Journalism, which enabled him to study at Harvard University, USA. He was the first Nigerian to win the prestigious Nieman Fellowship.
From Daily Times as a reporter to The Herald in Ilorin, Kwara State, The Sketch in Ibadan and back to the Daily Times Group, as a manager of men and resources, Osoba carved a niche for himself to be considered one of the doyens of Nigerian journalism. He didn’t only make a name for himself as a journalist, he also shone as a progressive politician.
When the young Osoba walked into the office of the old Daily Times with a mission to begin a career under the doyen of journalism, the late Babatunde Jose, little did he know he was on a journey into history. At 25 years old in 1964, such an encounter became the take-off of a flourishing career as a journalist, which culminated in his rising through the ranks and emergence as newspaper manager.
His venture into journalism afforded Osoba the opportunity to be taken to places he never imagined he would go. The profession made him meet people both high and mighty all over the world. It also brought him in contact with the lowly and the weak.
Perhaps, this propelled him to venture into politics where he also made his mark as a two time governor of Ogun State and one of the brain boxes of many political parties beginning with Social Democratic Party in the early 90s, Alliance for Democracy, AD, and now The All Progressives Congress, APC.
In spite of his accomplishments, the former Managing Director of Daily Times newspapers continues to insist that he remains a reporter for life.
In fact, according to him, “I am still a reporter and reporting is my life. To be called a reporter is the greatest accolade. Reporting is the soul of journalism. To report is to be the eyes and ears, the nose and voice of a news organization. It is to bear witness.”
In his quest to test the political waters of the country, Osoba contested, won and took over the leadership of Ogun State on January 2, 1992. Though his tenure as governor was short-lived, he established an agenda tied to programmes and policies that targeted impacting positively on the lives of the people of the state.
Following the restoration of civil rule in 1999, Osoba was elected the governor of Ogun State, a second time.
The octogenarian, who plays an active role in the polity in the country, succeeded in throwing his weight behind the current governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
Osoba is celebrated as one man who has deployed journalism in the service of humanity, especially Nigerians and played politics to make life better for the people.
He has proven that journalism practice is a great training ground for life in politics and leadership. He is a recipient of the Nigerian national honour, Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), and remains active in progressive politics in the country.
Prof. Olatunji Dare
He is many things to many people. While some have hailed him as a prose stylist, others have described as a master satirist. And yet, some said he is a quintessential journalism teacher and a humourist. He has also been confirmed as a scholar and public intellectual of no mean repute. And above all, he has been honoured as a man of courage, who has also distinguished himself by practicing journalism of conscience and truth. This was why his 80th birthday on July 17, could not have gone without leaders in the industry to have come together to celebrate this icon. The colloquium was jointly organized by the Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation newspapers, Sporting Life and Gbelegbo and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
Globally acknowledged as “master satirist, stylist exemplar and magisterial editorialist”, Professor Dare, the Editorial Adviser, The Nation, is a consummate teacher and seasoned columnist.
He has been praised as the “language connoisseur‘s delight“, who deploys “a mixed menu of satire and mischievous parody“ to exhaust a whole gamut of social, political, economic, cultural and international events relating to each with equal passion and dwelling on specifics with the ease and familiarity which only outstanding scholarship bestows.
Dare earned the first-ever First Class Degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, where he subsequently became a senior lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication.
He also holds a Master‘s degree in Journalism from Columbia University in New York, where he was the prizeman in Editorial Writing, and a PhD from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
Ten years ago, when Professor Dare turned 70, the celebration by his constituency—the journalism and media industry—produced significant resource material entitled “Public Intellectuals, the Public Sphere & the Public Spirit—Essays in Honour of Olatunji Dare.” The book was edited by Professor Wale Adebanwi. At his 80th birthday, media juggernauts turned up at a colloquium with a theme: “Dare @ 80: Same Craft, Changing Times – The Columnist as Societal Conscience” to honour his erudition and expertise in the media space.
Chief Nduka Obaigbena
Chief Obaigbena is the Publisher, founding Chairman and Editor-In-Chief, ThisDay Media Group and Arise News Channels. The Duke of Owa Kingdom, who arguably injected some revolution into media ownership in the country. Commonly referred to as ‘Chairman’, Obaogbena was born on Tuesday, July 14, 1959. Although a native of Owa kingdom in present-day Delta State, he was born in Ibadan in the Western region. His father was a world war veteran who fought in the Second World War; while his mother worked as a chief nursing officer in the then Mid-west state.
Obaigbena has an impressive educational background having attended Edo College, Benin City, and the University of Benin, where he obtained his first degree in Creative Arts. He also attended the Graduate School of Business at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and the Advanced Management Programme at the University of Cape Town.
Though the Owa prince was not popular within the local media in his early days, he, however, took the Nigerian media by storm. Yet, records show that he worked for foreign media before he started owning media businesses. For instance, he worked as the Nigeria Representative for Time Magazine, New York, USA, as well as for the NewsWeek Magazine, New York. At different times, he also worked as Chief Executive, Nigerian Advertising Limited; London, UK; Consultant (Nigerian Section), Michael Jarvis and Partners, St James, London; Africa Regional Representative, Time Magazine, New York; and several others. He was also the African Representative, Time & Fortune Magazine at some point.
The first media business Obaigbena floated was This Week Limited, Lagos, which he started in 1986 and worked as publisher and editor-in-chief for about 5 years. By the time he was entering his 30s, Obaigbena decided to set up ThisDay newspapers instead, as a daily publication on Nigeria’s newsstands.
Expectedly, Obaigbena started as the Editor-in-Chief of the paper. ThisDay Newspapers started without owning a printing press of its own, something that many others were afraid to do before. The paper would thus have single editions printed in multiple locations in the exact same format. This method would later become a standard for national newspapers.
Obaigbena also blazed the trail in colour printing, though tough, he kept up the momentum, making his paper stand out at the Newsstands. Before long, others started colour printing as well. The Duke of Owa Kingdom also broke novel initiatives that raised the bar of media business in the country. To honour those who made contributions to Nigerian society in global business, the political arena, women of distinction, and leading figures in the Nigerian education sector, Obaigbena floated ThisDay Awards. In 2006, he added another feather – the This Day Music and Fashion Festival. This Music fest features several local and international musical acts.
In 2013, Nduka Obaigbena ventured into the broadcast media by launching Arise News – an International TV news channel with an African focus.
Obaigbena has occupied other positions in public service. He served on the Relief Committee on Bomb Explosion in Lagos. Obaigbena was also a member of the Vision 2010 Committee, between 1997 and 1998.
On the political front, he was a senatorial candidate in 1992, on the platform of the now-defunct National Republican Convention (NRC), and also served as Special Adviser to the National Chairman of the party later on.
He was elected a member of the constitutional conference in 1994. He has served as a member of the Nomination Committee of the Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum; and is a regular attendee and sessions moderator for the World Economic Forum.
If anyone had thought that newspaper publishing was all Obaigbena had in mind, it did not take long for them to realize otherwise. In the year 2000, Obaigbena founded the now popular annual ThisDay awards. He celebrated his 65 birthday a few days ago.
Steve Ayorinde
He is a journalist, author, publisher, media consultant and administrator who has more than 24 years’ experience as a multiple award-winning journalist, social media buff and newspaper Editor.
His career started in 1991 at The Guardian newspapers in Lagos. He was a pioneer staff of The Comet where he edited the Arts, Entertainment and Media section between 1999 and 2003 after which he joined The Punch.
He worked there in various capacities, first as Arts Editor, United Kingdom Correspondent, Member of the Editorial Board and ultimately as Editor of the daily title.
It was in Punch he started his popular back-page column, ‘Something Before the Weekend’, which ran every Thursday.
He later worked at National Mirror, first as the Editor/Executive Director in charge of Publications and later as Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief between 2010 and 2013. He has since practised as a syndicated columnist and media consultant and strategist.
He was the Director of Media and Communications to the Akinwunmi Ambode Campaign Organization between September 2014 and April 2015.
A product of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Steve was also educated at the University of Lagos, Akoka and University of Leicester, UK, where he earned a Master’s degree in Globalization and Communications. A well-travelled and a polyglot, Steve is a European Union Fellow at the Foundation Journalists-in-Europe (1997-98 set) – a comprehensive one-year training scheme for mid-career journalists. He is also an alumnus of the prestigious State Department’s International Visitors’ program (IVP) in the United States; Goethe Institute, Berlin and University of Siena for Foreigners, Italy.
He has authored three books: Masterpieces: A Critic’s Timeless Report (Spectrum Books, 2008); Abokede: The man, the hill, the city (ArtPillar Books, 2011) and Cascade of Change: A Decade of Liberal Thoughts (Liberal publishing, 2015). He also edited For Law, For Country: Conversations with the Bar and the Bench (Global Media Mirror Publications, 2012).
A committed member of the pen fraternity, Steve has served the Nigerian Guild of Editors in various capacities over the past decade, as Assistant Secretary General; Vice-President (West) and Deputy President. He is happily married to his friend and confidant, Temitope, with whom he has three children.
Moses Babatope, the co-founder of Filmhouse Group and former managing director of FilmOne, is on the verge of launching his own media and entertainment company.
Babatope’s new venture, which is expected to focus on film production, distribution, and cinema, has generated considerable anticipation among industry observers keen to see his next move.
While the public launch of his new company is still pending, Babatope has addressed speculations regarding a non-compete agreement with Filmhouse Group.
“There are rumours of a non-compete with FilmOne and Filmhouse, but that is untrue,” Babatope stated, debunking the circulating misinformation.
“The plan is bigger than Moses Babatope; it’s not just another entertainment venture. The plan is to grow the industry ten times bigger. We’re innovating, disrupting, and creating new revenue lines for the industry,” he added.
Babatope’s reputation as a dealmaker and his extensive industry experience have already attracted considerable interest from both local and international players in the film sector.
His track record of keeping promises and his vision for industry growth have positioned him as a key figure to watch in the evolving landscape of African cinema.
Babatope’s journey in the film industry began with over two decades of experience in cinema operations and management.
As the co-founder of FilmHouse Group and the pioneering Managing Director of FilmOne Entertainment, his leadership has led to the production and executive production of more than 40 of Nollywood’s biggest titles, contributing significantly to the industry’s growth and international recognition.
His role in pioneering the distribution and exhibition of African films worldwide has been noted by industry experts, with major international distribution deals secured under his tenure, including partnerships with Hollywood giants like Disney, Warner Brothers, Sony, Netflix, Prime Video, and Warner Brothers.
He also spearheaded the first-ever corporate financing of films through the creation of the West African Film Fund partnering with Huahua Media of China and Empire Entertainment of South Africa to fully finance or co-finance 15 titles.
Stakeholders in the media have hailed the professional conduct of Mr. Babatunde Bamigboye, otherwise known as ‘Omo Edema’, whose investigative journalism began over two decades ago, uncovering evil, exposing crimes and shedding light on the darkest corners of the society.
The stakeholders said walking in the footsteps of Kola Olawuyi, Omo Edema has become one of Nigeria’s most daring and relentless investigative journalists.
A statement by the stakeholders, said ‘Omo Edema’s’ investigation is carried out with commitment to truth, which has been the driving force behind his radio programmes in Southwest.
The statement said Omo Edema’s fearless approach to uncovering truth is inspiring, adding his dedication and commitment towards exposing injustice is unparalleled.
“In 2016, he was the target of a vicious assault by National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Akure, Ondo State. Members sought to frustrate his investigation into alleged kidnapping case. Undeterred, Omo Edema carried out an even stronger resolve to continue his crusade…’
“Omo Edema has played a significant role in raising security consciousness among listeners across the country.
“His investigations have unveiled secret shrines where ritual killings allegedly take place in Ondo and Akure and have exposed fake clerics, who have extorted and endangered the life of their followers. One of such instances is Omo Edema’s daring unearthing of the horrific actions of an acclaimed pastor, who poured a strange liquid into the private parts of a woman during a so-called deliverance session, consequently causing the poor woman’s untimely death.
“Beyond his investigative prowess, Omo Edema is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mercy-Babs Communication, a full-fledged media consulting agency dedicated to training prospective investigative journalists, providing support and advocating the empowerment of the downtrodden.”
