Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has made significant changes to the leadership of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the country’s national broadcaster. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Presidency announced the immediate removal of Abdul-Hameed Dembos as Director General of the NTA, replacing him with Rotimi Pedro.
According to the statement, Pedro, a seasoned broadcasting professional from Lagos, brings over 20 years of experience in broadcasting, sports rights, and media consulting to his new role. His impressive resume includes leadership stints at Bloomberg Television Africa, where he has honed his skills in media management and strategy.
In addition to Pedro’s appointment, President Tinubu also named Karimah Bello, a native of Katsina, as the executive director of marketing. Other key appointments include Stella Din from Plateau State as executive director of news and Sophia Mohammed as managing director of NTA Enterprises Limited.
The Presidency stated that these appointments take immediate effect, underscoring the president’s commitment to strengthening national broadcasting as a platform for unity, cohesion, and soft diplomacy. By injecting fresh leadership into the NTA, President Tinubu aims to revitalize the national broadcaster, positioning it to play a more effective role in promoting national unity and showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to the world.
These appointments come at a critical time for Nigeria’s media landscape, which has been rapidly evolving in recent years. With the rise of digital media and the increasing importance of broadcasting in shaping public opinion, the NTA’s role in promoting national unity and cohesion has become more crucial than ever.
As the new leadership team takes the reins, they will be expected to navigate the complex challenges facing the NTA, from modernizing its infrastructure to producing high-quality content that resonates with diverse audiences. With their combined expertise and experience, Pedro and his team are well-positioned to drive the NTA’s transformation, ensuring that the national broadcaster remains a vital force in Nigerian society.