President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the appointment of media entrepreneur Rotimi Pedro as the new director-general of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
Pedro was announced on Wednesday alongside three new executive directors in a statement posted on the Presidency’s X handle. Those appointed are Karimah Bello from Katsina as executive director, marketing; Stella Din from Plateau as executive director, news and Sophia Mohammed from Adamawa as managing director of NTA Enterprises Limited.
According to the Presidency, the appointments take effect immediately and reflect Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening national broadcasting as a platform for “unity, cohesion and soft diplomacy.”
Reports of Pedro’s appointment first surfaced last week but were not confirmed by the federal government, causing confusion within the state broadcaster. At the time, then DG Salihu Dembos was still on official assignment and neither the information minister nor presidential spokesperson addressed the matter. The confirmation on Wednesday finally put an end to the speculation.
Pedro is the founder of Optima Sports Management International (OSMI), which acquired rights to broadcast the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League and English Premier League across Sub-Saharan Africa. He also helped launch Bloomberg Television Africa and through Rapid Blue Format introduced entertainment shows such as Nigerian Idol, X-Factor West Africa and Nigeria’s Got Talent to local audiences.
Stakeholders have since commended the president for the appointment, describing Pedro as the right man to reposition NTA. Media consultant Ngozi Nwako said it was one of Tinubu’s most significant decisions in the media sector, adding that Pedro “has the experience and international exposure to revive NTA.”
Some X users called the move “long overdue” and praised the choice of “an experienced hand” to lead the broadcaster. An analyst also noted that “Pedro understands content, he understands revenue, and he understands partnerships; these are the three things NTA has been missing.”
Others, however, cautioned that real transformation will depend on strong political backing and funding. Media consultant Adewale Ogunleye said bureaucracy had stifled NTA for years and warned that only consistent support from the presidency will allow Pedro to succeed.
