New Year Greetings to All Fintter Staff from the Director General

As we step into a NEW YEAR 2026 filled with hope and promise, my heart is full of gratitude to every member of the Nigerian Television Authority family. Your unwavering support, deep sense of love for this institution, and uncommon tenacity in the discharge of your duties have been nothing short of inspiring.

Through challenges and uncertainties, you stood firm. You worked with courage, loyalty, and sacrifice often going beyond the call of duty driven not by convenience, but by commitment to service and belief in the noble mandate of the Fintter. Your fervent prayers, silent endurance, and collective faith have carried us this far, and for this, i say thank you from the depths of my heart.

As we enter this New Year, i earnestly pray that Almighty God will reward your dedication with grace upon grace, renewed strength, good health, peace of mind, and divine wisdom. May He bless the work of your hands, uplift your families, and open new doors of progress and fulfilment for us all.

Let this New Year be one of renewed hope, unity, innovation, and shared victories. Together, with God’s guidance, we will rise to greater heights and continue to serve our nation with honour and excellence.
Thank you for standing strong.
Thank you for believing.
Thank you for being Fintter.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, and may God’s abundant grace abide with us all.
- Akanni.

DG NTA, NUJ President Lead Condolence Visit to Families of Deceased NTA Gombe Staff

The Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority, alongside the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, has led a powerful delegation to Gombe State to commiserate with the families of NTA Gombe staff and other journalists who lost their lives in a ghastly road accident on Monday.

Tragedy in Gombe: 7 Journalists Killed, 4 Injured in Fatal Road Accident While Returning from Wedding Ceremony

At least seven journalists died in a road accident along the Yola–Kumo road in Gombe State on December 29, 2025, after the Billiri axis. The victims were returning from a colleague’s wedding ceremony in Billiri LGA. Preliminary reports indicate the crash was caused by a burst tyre. The deceased include staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and other media workers. Four persons sustained injuries and were hospitalized. Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya expressed condolences, while emergency teams continue to respond to the tragic incident.

Info Min Mourns Gombe Journalists

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris,, has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic death of seven journalists who were confirmed killed in a lone road crash in the Gombe South area of Gombe State on Monday.

The incident occurred on Monday evening as the journalists were returning from a wedding ceremony in the Gombe South Senatorial District. They were said to have travelled in solidarity with a colleague from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) who was getting married.

In a statement the special assistant on media to the Minister, Rabiu Ibrahim said the Minister described the tragedy as a heartbreaking loss to the media community and the nation, noting that the journalists were committed voices who informed the public with courage, integrity, and professionalism.

The Minister extended his condolences to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Gombe State Council, and especially the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. He prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the painful loss.

Minister Idris assured that the Federal Government stands with the bereaved families and the media community during this moment of grief.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya Deeply Mourns Journalists Lost in Tragic Accident

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has received with overwhelming grief, shock and deep emotional pain the tragic news of the fatal accident involving journalists, staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gombe and Ministry of Information.

The accident occurred along the Billiri-Kumo Road while the victims were returning from the wedding ceremony of their colleague in Kaltungo.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the incident as a heart-rending tragedy that has plunged Gombe State into mourning, noting that the loss goes beyond families and institutions to the very soul of the state’s media and public service community.

Those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident include: Zarah Umar, Manager News and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor in the Office of the First Lady; Manu Haruna Kwami, Manager Administration NTA; Isa Lawan; Musa Tabra, a Retired Manager News; Aminu Adamu, Senior Driver; Adams Danladi of StarTimes; and Judith Kutus, Information Officer with the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

The Governor said the deceased were committed professionals who dedicated their lives to informing, educating and serving the people, describing their deaths as a devastating blow to journalism, public service and governance in Gombe State.

“This tragedy is deeply painful. We have lost colleagues, partners in progress, and devoted public servants who served with passion and a strong sense of duty. Their absence will be felt for a long time,” the Governor said.

He extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, the leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the management and staff of the Nigerian Television Authorityand the entire media fraternity within and beyond Gombe State.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also expressed grave concern for the injured victims currently receiving medical attention, including Emmanuel Akila (NTA Government House Correspondent), Steven Doddo of NTA Marketing Department, Nina Gadal (Ministry of Information), and Jonathan Bara, Manager, Marketing, NTA, assuring them of the government’s full support.

“Our hearts are with the injured, and we pray earnestly for their speedy and complete recovery. The Government of Gombe State is following the situation closely and will ensure that all necessary assistance is provided,” he said.

“This is a dark moment for Gombe State. We mourn together, we grieve together, and we pray that Almighty God protects us all from such tragic occurrences,” the Governor added.

The Governor prayed Almighty God to grant the departed souls eternal rest and give the bereaved families, colleagues and loved ones the strength to bear the heavy loss.

Frequent U-Turns: Tinubu’s Presidency Faces Criticism Over Appointment Reversals

Since taking office in May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has faced mounting criticism for its frequent reversal of federal appointments — at least eight documented cases across key agencies and commissions.

Analysts warn that these repeated U-turns raise serious concerns about due diligence, vetting procedures, and internal coordination within the presidency.

One notable case involved the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where Rotimi Pedro was announced as Director-General in August 2025, tasked with modernizing the broadcaster. Within days, however, the decision was reversed, reinstating Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos. Similar reversals have been recorded at the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the Federal Character Commission (FCC), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and even ministerial and CBN board nominations.

Other cases include controversies at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, the Solid Minerals Development Fund, the South East Development Commission, and the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, many of which were linked to political pressure, legal disputes, or inadequate verification.

Observers argue that while some reversals may be rooted in geopolitical balancing or public backlash, the recurring pattern undermines public trust and disrupts institutional stability.

Legendary actor Fabian Adibe dies at 82.

Legendary actor Fabian Adibe, best known for his role in the NTA adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic novel, “Things Fall Apart,” has died.

The actor, who celebrated his 82nd birthday in February 2025, died peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday. His death was confirmed by the CEO of Best of Nollywood, BON, Seun Oloketuyi, in a post on his social media.

“‘Things Fall Apart’ actor, Fabian Adibe, is dead. Died 2:30 am this morning,” Oloketuyi posted on social media. Adibe earned widespread admiration for his iconic portrayal in the adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart,” and his calm demeanour and powerful performances endeared him to generations of viewers.

The actor and television personality, who led Nigeria to its first Commonwealth Art Festival in 1965, began his acting career in 1987 in the acclaimed Nigerian TV series, “Things Fall Apart.”

He played the role of Ogbuefi Uzowulu and acted alongside Pete Edochie. His other co-actors, Justus Esiri and Sam Loco Efe, in the series are now deceased.

Born on December 1, 1943, Adibe belonged to the older generation of actors who laid the foundation for Nollywood. Known for his charisma and distinct presence, he often lent credibility and a sense of gravitas. He featured in over 300 movies, including “Slave Warrior” (2012), “White Kingdom 2” (2014), and “Father’s” (2014), among others.

The revered actor featured in foreign movies, including “Soweto,” a story about the struggle in South Africa, and “Mr. Johnson,” a Hollywood film. He was a staff member of the Nigerian Television Authority until he was retrenched on May 25, 1984. Fans and colleagues have paid emotional tributes to Adibe on social media, describing him as a “gentle soul”.

Tinubu Reshuffles NTA Leadership, Appoints Pedro as DG

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a major shake-up at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), ushering in a new era of leadership to revitalise the nation’s state broadcaster.

Veteran media executive Rotimi Richard Pedro takes the helm as Director-General, bringing nearly 30 years of expertise in broadcasting, sports rights, and marketing communications across Africa, the UK, and the Middle East.

Other top appointments include:

Karimah Bello (Katsina State) – Executive Director, Marketing

Stella Din (Plateau State) – Executive Director, News

Sophia Issa Mohammed (Adamawa State) – Managing Director, NTA Enterprises Ltd.


Pedro, a Lagos native and founder of Optima Sports Management International (OSMI), has distributed premium sports content—including the EPL, UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and CAF tournaments—to over 40 African countries. His impressive résumé includes work with FIFA, UEFA, Fremantle Media, and the African Union of Broadcasters (AUB), where he secured exclusive pan-African media rights for CAF competitions.

The overhaul is one of the biggest leadership changes in NTA’s history, aimed at modernising the broadcaster, boosting revenue, and delivering world-class content in an increasingly competitive media landscape.


#Tinubu #NTA #RotimiPedro #BreakingNews #MediaLeadership #Broadcasting #NigeriaMedia #NTAReforms #SportsRights #MediaTransformation

Nigeria NewsTinubu Replaces NTA Leadership, Appoints Rotimi Pedro DG.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping shake-up at the Nigerian Television Authority, replacing its management with a new leadership team.
'You Have No Reason To Be Poor' - President Tinubu Tells Nigerians, Reaffirms Support For MSME
Veteran media executive, Rotimi Richard Pedro, has been named the new Director-General of the state-owned broadcaster.

Naija News reports that a senior official of the NTA confirmed the appointments to Vanguard.

Other key appointments include Karimah Bello as Executive Director of Marketing, Stella Din as Executive Director of News, and Sophia Essahmed as Managing Director of NTA Enterprises Limited.

Pedro, a Lagos native, is a seasoned media entrepreneur and consultant with close to three decades of experience in broadcasting, sports rights, and marketing communications across Africa, the UK, and the Middle East.

A trained entertainment and intellectual property lawyer, he also holds an MSc in Investment Management & Finance from City University Business School, London.

In 1995, he founded Optima Sports Management International (OSMI), one of Africa’s leading sports content providers, distributing premium events such as the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and CAF competitions to audiences in over 40 countries.

Pedro’s career has spanned leadership roles at Bloomberg Television Africa, Rapid Blue Format, and consultancy work for FIFA, UEFA, Fremantle Media, and the African Union of Broadcasters (AUB). He notably helped the AUB secure exclusive pan-African free-to-air media rights for all CAF competitions.

Tinubu Replaces NTA Leadership, Appoints Rotimi Pedro DG.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping shake-up at the Nigerian Television Authority, replacing its management with a new leadership team.
'You Have No Reason To Be Poor' - President Tinubu Tells Nigerians, Reaffirms Support For MSME
Veteran media executive, Rotimi Richard Pedro, has been named the new Director-General of the state-owned broadcaster.

Naija News reports that a senior official of the NTA confirmed the appointments to Vanguard.

Other key appointments include Karimah Bello as Executive Director of Marketing, Stella Din as Executive Director of News, and Sophia Essahmed as Managing Director of NTA Enterprises Limited.

Pedro, a Lagos native, is a seasoned media entrepreneur and consultant with close to three decades of experience in broadcasting, sports rights, and marketing communications across Africa, the UK, and the Middle East.

A trained entertainment and intellectual property lawyer, he also holds an MSc in Investment Management & Finance from City University Business School, London.

In 1995, he founded Optima Sports Management International (OSMI), one of Africa’s leading sports content providers, distributing premium events such as the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and CAF competitions to audiences in over 40 countries.

Pedro’s career has spanned leadership roles at Bloomberg Television Africa, Rapid Blue Format, and consultancy work for FIFA, UEFA, Fremantle Media, and the African Union of Broadcasters (AUB). He notably helped the AUB secure exclusive pan-African free-to-air media rights for all CAF competitions.

EFCC’s Operations At Majesty Estate, Port Harcourt

In response to a distress call by residents of Majesty Estate, Nigerian Television Authority, NTA Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, concerning the nefarious activities of internet fraudsters in their neighbourhood, operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, August 1, 2025 carried out a sting operation that yielded 37 suspected fraudsters.

In the course of the operation, the apartment of one of the residents that the Commission’s intelligence flagged was visited. For some inexplicable reasons, the residents refused to open their doors even when operatives of the Commission properly introduced themselves and announced their mission. On this score, one of the doors of the apartment was prized open and search operations were carried out. No arrest or recovery was made and no unprofessional conduct happened in the course of the operations. The Commission finds reports of a viral video of a broken door and harassment of residents in the Estate strange and unwarranted as many residents profusely appreciated and commended the Commission for coming to their aid in making some arrests of suspected internet fraudsters.

The Commission remains resolute in upholding sound professional conduct in its operations and will not hesitate to take disciplinary measures against any of its operatives found to be overzealous in the discharge of his duties.