Former Executive Director of Programmes at the Nigerian Television Authority and a member of the Media Complaints Commission (National Ombudsman) of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria, Eugenia Abu, discussed the take‑aways from the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections and media issues with Alexander Okere.
At a lecture delivered last year at Salem University, Kogi State, Abu emphasized the need for the media to prioritise national interest. She titled the convocation address “Beyond the 2023 Elections: The Role of the Media in Deepening Democracy,” arguing that democracy extends beyond the election cycle, voting, candidates, wins and losses. For her, democracy is about how power is exercised, how citizens are treated, how leaders are held accountable, and how leaders involve citizens. The media, she said, should focus on these aspects during the four years between elections, acting as agenda‑setter, societal mirror and voice of ordinary people. While acknowledging the media’s efforts, she expressed concern about whether it has risen to the occasion in providing essential information—who the candidates are, what they promise, and how they will make a difference.
Professionally, Abu regards Nigerian media as one of the finest, yet she worries about the infiltration of fake news, the challenges posed by citizen journalism, and complaints regarding balance, truth and fact‑checking. Capacity‑building for journalists also remains a pressing issue. When asked about the 1.3 billion votes cast for the entertainment programme *Big Brother Naija* compared with the 96 million votes for presidential winners across four election cycles, she noted that *BB Naija* is an entertainment product, not a political one. Nonetheless, the media’s agenda‑setting role makes it complicit in promoting content that may be deemed immoral, as both entertainment houses and media outlets have cultivated an appetite for sensationalism. She disagreed with the notion that audiences are free to watch whatever they wish without media influence, observing that many Nigerians choose to watch *BB Naija* instead of voting.
Regarding the media’s impact on political participation among Nigeria’s youth, Abu believes the sector has performed fairly well in voter education but faces obstacles. Traditional media is no longer the sole player; new media, especially social platforms where youth congregate, is a powerful contender. While social media amplifies reach, it also spreads fake news and disinformation. Therefore, traditional media must embrace new media, promote media literacy, and help the public—particularly young people—distinguish authentic news from falsehoods. Journalists need better training in research, analysis, ethics and investigative reporting.
On youth involvement in the recent elections, Abu observed that young voters turned out in large numbers, overcame challenges, and campaigned for permanent voter cards, making a noticeable difference. She credited social media for its role in campaigning, voter education by the electoral commission, and post‑election analysis. Yet she warned that the coexistence of old and new media must preserve gate‑keeping, research and investigative standards while harnessing the immediacy and interactivity of digital platforms. Combating fake news remains essential to prevent conflict.
Addressing the persistent under‑representation of women in Nigeria’s highest political offices, Abu identified seven factors: culture, socialisation, lack of confidence, few role models, media, education and religion. Patriarchal norms often relegate women to domestic roles, limiting education, economic power and agency. Political parties must move beyond lip‑service, intentionally placing women in leadership positions such as national secretary or chairman, and fostering solidarity among women rather than allowing men to manipulate perceptions of “women not supporting women.”
Since retiring from NTA five years ago, Abu notes significant operational changes in the media landscape. Technology has rendered much equipment obsolete, convergence now allows a single device to handle radio, television and social media, and print organisations are diversifying into broadcast, leading to media conglomeration. While social media erodes traditional media’s dominance, the prevalence of fake news has prompted new media to re‑adopt traditional values of balance, fact‑checking and investigative journalism. Personally, after 34½ years at NTA, she left at the apex of her career as Executive Director, Programmes, feeling she had made her mark. Retirement has been a period of adjustment, but she remains busier than ever, teaching at Bingham University, serving on several boards, running courses at the Eugenia Abu Media Centre, pursuing a PhD in Mass Communication at BUK, and serving on the Media Complaints Commission.
Reflecting on her broadcasting experience during the military era, Abu says she maintained professionalism, balance and loyalty, though she never experienced live interruptions by soldiers announcing coups. Regarding the perception that modern TV presenters focus more on appearance than content, she acknowledges differing expectations: entertainment news may allow flashier attire, whereas news requires moderate dressing to avoid visual noise and keep the focus on the message.
When asked about her reputation as one of NTA’s most beautiful presenters, Abu responded modestly, attributing her looks to genetics, a stress‑free lifestyle and personal happiness. Her twin daughters, Oiza and Meyi, have become singing sensations, performing and recording across Nigeria. She recalls initially being unable to tell them apart as infants, a brief confusion resolved by motherhood.
Having recently turned 60, Abu expressed gratitude for the values instilled by her parents, the support of her husband, children, siblings, friends, colleagues and fans, and the opportunities afforded by her career. She feels blessed by God’s mercy, holds no regrets, and remains thankful for every experience that has shaped her journey.
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